Full text of "A history of freemasonry in the province of Shropshire, and of the Salopian Lodge, no. 262, with an introduction by W. J. Hughan"

See other formats

I' i' i i V'tfrii>V »il ji ii ' ii ''iii i i i ' ii V i .- - . '

mmm

"■i^y»iimnii|MiyiiiMilii I lliii^iiliMi

---^t > ^ < 1^ * >.>'4»^»*»<|»*<»t>*iW^i>***»^t**<^4-^«W#iiW«<|<i<*J< i tW*#<»Wl|'« W i» < |*^ ^^

j,»Wi#WMti«t»'*l#y'i»^tt^»H(»*»''#V»V»r'»**«*'*«<#f-**««>*"i*H**»^^

047656

QJotnell Hniweraitg Hihrarg

Stfjata, Jfem ^nrk

FROM THE

BENNO LOEWY LIBRARY

COLLECTED BY

BENNO LOEWY

1854.1919
BEQUEATHED TO CORNELL UNIVERSITY

rHS597.S56"G73"""''™">' '""•"T

I * WSDf,.,of freemasonry i„ ...
lllllliiiiiiiiii™SKri[..|n the

DATE DUE

GAYL08D

PRINTED IN U.SA

Cornell University
Library

The original of tiiis book is in
tine Cornell University Library.

There are no known copyright restrictions in
the United States on the use of the text.

http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030291300

SIR OFFLEY WAKEMAN, BART,
Provincial Grand Master of Shropshire.

HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY

IN THE

Province of Shropshire,

THE SALOPIAN LODGE, 262,
With an Introduction by Beg. W. J. Hughan,

PAST GRAND DEACON OF ENGLAND,

ALEXANDER GRAHAM, J.D., 262.

(Published by permission of the R.W.P.G.M.)

Sbrewsburg :

ADNITT & NAUNTON, BOOKSELLERS & PUBLISHEES, THE SQUARE.

1892.

UU.

5"? 7

.73

Preface.

My original intention was to write only the history of
my Mother Lodge, the "Salopian," No. 262. From time to
time, however, during the course of my investigations, much in-
formation about the Craft in the Province came to hand, and I
have thought it best, while, in the main, preserving my original
intention, to incorporate this information in its present shape.

I cannot hope to have avoided making many mistakes,
and much that ought to be included may be found wanting ; for
such blemishes I can only ask the indulgence of my readers on
the ground of my inexperience, and from the fact that I was
traversing an almost unknown country, with few landmarks to
guide me on my way.

I gladly take this opportunity of tendering to the many
brethren, too numerous to mention separately by name, who have
assisted me in my task, my most sincere thanks for their kindness
and courtesy ; without their valuable help even the measure of
success I have achieved would have been impossible. Out of my
large band of helpers I must content myself with naming and
specifically thanking three. To Bro. W. J. Hughan, I, in com-
mon with all Masonic Students, owe a debt of gratitude which it
is impossible to repay. His great knowledge, always at the ser-
vice of the veriest tyro in Masonic work, has, I hope, enabled me
to steer clear of gross errors, whilst his kind advice has in many
respects lightened my labours. The introduction he has so kindly
written for me adds greatly to the value of my book, and will, I
am sure, be much appreciated. He desires me to add to the in-
formation therein contained the result of his inquiries with

respect to the " Opperative Lodge," No. 184, mentioned on
page 149 of my book. The Lodge m question was the " Opera-
tive Lodge,'' Dumfries, Warranted on 5th Feb., 1776, and now
No. 140.

To Bro. H. Sadler, Grand Tyler of England, I am in-
debted for much reliable and valuable information ; his services,
notwithstanding the many calls upon his time, were always placed
most ungrudgingly at my disposal for purposes of reference to
the authorities in the Grand Lodge Library.

To Bro. Wyndham Deedes, I.P.M., 262, I also tender my
grateful acknowledgment of the sympathy and help he so kindly
and constantly gave ; without it I might have abandoned a task
which seemed beyond my powers.

A. GRAHAM.
DoGPOLE Chambers,

Sheewsbuey,

April 17th, 1892.

Introduction.

The precise origin of Provincial Grand Lodges has not
yet been elucidated ; for the evidence of the Rev. James
Anderson, important as it is, is neither exact nor complete, if
the " Returns " of Chester Lodges are to be trusted, of the
year 1725.

It has been the custom to accept Dr. Anderson's account
in the "Book of Constitutions, A.D. 1738, without question,
wherein we read that "on 10 May, 1727, Inchiquin Grand
Master granted a Deputation to Hugh War burton, Esq., to be
Provincial Grand Master of North Wales at Chester," and that
"on 24 June, 1727, to Sir Edward Mansel, Bart, to be Provincial
Grand Master of South Wales at Caermarthen."

These are the earliest appointments of the kind noted in
that volume ; immediately followed by " Lovel, Grand Master
granted a Deputation to Sir Edward Matthews to be Provincial
Grand Master of Shropshire."

Singular to state, however, on looking through the Minute
Book of the Grand Lodge of England, which begins in 1723, I
found to my surprise, that the name of " Col. Era Columbine,
Provincial Grand Master" was not only returned in that form
by the Old Lodge, meeting at the "Sun," Chester, in 1725, but
is entered accordingly in the Records of Grand Lodge, as also
the names of his Deputy and two Wardens, the J.G.W. being
" Cap. Hugh Warburton," whose appointment as Prov. G. M in
1727 has already been noted.

A letter also was read to tlie Grand Lodge later on, dated
15th April, 1727, signed by the then Prov. G. M., (Captain
Warburton) ; his Deputy being the same as his predecessor had
in 1725, but two new Prov. G. Wardens being mentioned. This
brother signed as Prov. G. M., though prior to the date of the
first appointment cited by Anderson, which is certainly remark-
able, there being thus two Prov. G. Masters before the period
noted in the " Book of Constitutions," published by authority.*
Subsequent issues of the Laws of the Grand Lodge, such as 1756,
and 1767 are less reliable on these points than the 2nd edition
of 1738.

In the Ofiicial Calendar there are no Prov. G. Masters
recorded for Durham between 1734 and 1787, but the Minute
Books of the " Industry " Lodge, No. 48, Gateshead, (so Bro.
W. Logan, P.P.G.R.O. informs me) contain the names of nine
brethren from 1747 to 1763, who held that office for Durham,
all P.M's of that Lodge ; and under 1781 it is stated that in
accordance with the Charter of 1734 "authorizing us to appoint
a Provincial Grand Master, we have elected our Worshipful
Master, David Richardson to that most Honble. Office during
his life." The change in 1788 was brought about by the spirited
action of the " Marquis of Granby " Lodge, supported by the
other Lodges in the Province.

Nothing has transpired to invalidate the claim of Shrop-
shire to be considered the premier Province of England, though,
as Bro. Graham states, we are left in the dark as to what use
was made of the privilege ; and during a portion of the time, at
least, there was not even a single Lodge to give the Prov. G.M.
any work to do. A Prov. G.M. without any Lodges was an
experience even of later times as considerable latitude prevailed
as to such matters down to the end of last century.

Soon after the formation of the Grand Lodge of England
(the first organization of its kind in the world), the Grand Master

*Vide ''Freemason," June 12, 1886, Article on "Early Chester Masonry." by Bro. H.
Sadler, and another by W. J, Hughan, entitled " A Curious I'raud."

Vll

began to regularize Lodges by " Constituting " them, but not by
Warrants, as subsequently. The first of these, apparently, and
still on the Roll, was the present No. 6, the " Lodge of Friend-
ship," London, duly constituted on 17th Jan., 1721. A few-
years later. Lodges were started in the Provinces, and by 1736,
when a Lodge was opened at Shrewsbury on 16th April — the
first in Shropshire, — in many Counties of England numbers of
Lodges were at work, and the Craft was rapidly extending abroad.

For some reason or other. Freemasonry did not flourish in
Salop, as in most other Provinces ; and hence this Lodge of 1736,
had but a fitful existence, finally expiring in 1768. In the first
edition of the Official Engraved List for 1736, No. 142, Shrews-
bury (without day of meeting, or date of Constitution) numbered
142, and the last on the Roll, is duly inserted. This unique little
gem is owned by my old friend, Bro. E. T. Carson, of Cincinnati,
U.S.A., who has had it reproduced, by my desire, and thus kindly
gratifying many of his attached brethren.

The advent of the Salopian Lodge, No. 262, and the re-
vival of the Provincial Grand Lodge, occurred in the same decade
of last century ; the Shropshire Craft having secured a permanent
footing about the year 1788.

The particulars of Masonic activity during the first portion
of this period, especially in connection with the zealous Brother,
Major Charles Shirreff, have been most interestingly narrated by
Bro. Graham, who has done justice to the subject, and left noth-
ing more to be said.

It will be well to remember, however, that whilst there
are different views as to the orgin of the " Great Schism," there
is no question as to the year when the rival Grand Lodge in
London started.

The "Ancients" formed their organization in 1751, and
on uniting with the "Moderns," in 1813, all rivalry and sepa-
rate establishments were happily ended.

Prior to this date, when the blessed Union was consum-
mated, the Royal Arch Degree was recognized and worked by
the " Ancient " Lodges without distinct Warrants, but the
" Moderns " had an independent Grand Chapter to control that
ceremony, there being separate Chapters with special Charters
and quite a different set of numbers. The first Chapters formed
under such auspices, not officially, but practically, recognised by
the regular Brethren, was in 1769, and, at the time of the Union,
there were some 150 of these subordinates under the wing of the
Supreme Grand Chapter, located mostly in the country, but many
were in a very comatose state.

Preliminaries for the union of the two Grand Chapters —
" Moderns '' and " Ancients " — were arranged on Nov. 30th,
1813, and on March 18th, 1817, the " United Grand Chapter of
Royal Arch Masons of England,'' was formally constituted.

The only Chapter in Shropshire, with a separate Warrant,
prior to the Union, was No. 118, " Agenorian,'' Bridgnorth;
doubtless promoted by the members of the " Lodge of Industry,"
No 578, and was formed in 1801. It was taken under the pro-
tection of that Lodge, in due course, and became No. 597,
retaining the same name as previously, but collapsed when the
Lodge did.

Notwithstanding the publication of the Royal Arch Regu-
lations of 1823, and later editions, many companions continued
to work the ceremony without any lawful authority, just as the
members of the "Salopian" Lodge (No. 262,) as recorded by
Bro. Graham ; some by virtue of the Warrants granted under the
old regime, and others without even a shadow of justification.

The Charter for No. 262 (then 328) was agreed to on 17th
May, 1843, M.E. Comp. The Earl of Zetland, Pro. G.Z., being in
the Chair. Soon after, the Chapter paid the fees for its Con-
stitution (five guineas) and £11 12s. 6d. for eight certificates
and twenty-two exaltations, so the Companions began well. No
returns were made between 1844 and 1855, when the sum pf

£1 7s. 6d. was paid, and, in 1858-9, twelve Companions were
registered and £9 10s. Od. remitted, another payment being
made in 1862-3 of £1 15s. Od. Since then its progress has been
steady, if not brilliant.

Bro. Graham has managed to obtain so many facts con-
cerning Freemasonry in Shropshire, and, moreover, has arranged
them so well, that he has left nothing for me to do ; so that my
Introduction is of necessity both brief and bald. I most warmly
congratulate him on his successful debut, as the historian of his
Province, and especially of his Lodge, No. 262. Beyond question
his work is both valuable and readable, its importance being such
as to abundantly justify its publication, and the Records thus
preserved are of special interest to a large circle of Masonic
Students far beyond the confines of Shropshire.

W. J. HUGHAN.

dunscoee,

Torquay,
April 11th, 1892.

LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

Acton, Capt. E. F. W., 1621.

Adams, W., P.M. 117, W.M. 2311, P.G.A.D. of C.

Ashdown, Rev. G. M., 262, P.G.C.

Austin, W., Sec. 2311.

Avery, John, P.M. 262, P.P.G.W. (2 copies).

Bain, G. W., P.M. 949, P.P.G.R. (Durham).

Baxter, W. E., W.M. 117.

Belton, W., P.M. 117, 2311, P.P.G.D.

Bennion, S., P.M. 293, 1575, P.P.G.D.

Benson, 0. K., P.M. 1124, 1336, P.G.W. (N. Wales).

Berkeley, P. M., P.M. 262, P.G.D. (2 copies).

Bethell, A., 1621.

Blower, B., I.P.M. 117.

Bodenham, J., P.M. 1896, P.P.G.W.

Bratton, J.A., S.W. 262, P.G.O.

Bromwich, T., I.P.M. 1621, P.G. Steward.

Burd, E., P.M. 117, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

Carson, J. L., 891 (I.C.)

Carson, E. T., 34 (Ohio) 33° N.S.C.

Chittey, E. J., P.M. & J.D. 1621, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

Clarke, H. C, P.M. 262, P.P.G.R.

Collins, T., P.M. 1896, P.P.G.W.

Cooksey, J. H., P.M. &. Treas. 1621, P.P.G.R. (2 copies).

Cooper, C. J., J.W. 1621.

CowHng, C. H., S.W. 117.

Craig, R. A., P.M. 262, P.P.G.R. (3 copies).

Crump, V. C. L., P.M. 117, 2311, P.G. Treas. (2 copies).

Davis, A. T., 262

Deakin, A. B., P.M. 117, P.P.G.S.B.

Deakin, T. P., P.M. 117, P.G.A. Sec.

Deedes, W., I.P.M. 263, P.G. Steward (3 copies).

Deighton, C. H., I.G. 1621.

Eddowes, W., P.M. 262.

Emson, Rev. P. E. A, Chaplain 262.

Elliot, Rev. W., P.M. 262.

Francis, T., P.P.G.D. Sussex, P.P.G.W. (Hants, k I. of W.)

Freeman, Captain G. W., P.M. 1068, 262, Hon. S.G.W.
(N.G.L. Egypt.)

Genge, Rev. R. S.

Giles, H. R., P.M. 2131, P.G.R.

Glassow, C. J., 2131.

Gore, J. R. Ormsby, J.W. 2131.

Gray, J., 262

Hamilton, J.

Harding, W. E., P.M. & Treas. 262, P.P.G.W. (2 copies).

Horton, T. R., J.D. 1120, 601.

Hughan, W. J., P.S.G.D. (Eng.) P.P.G.W. & P.P.G. Sec.
(Cornwall.)

Hughes, H. W., Org. 117.

Hurley, C, 117.

Hutchison, Rev. E. A.

Hyslop, W. C, 262.

KUvert, J. M., P.M. 601, 262.
King, Roff, P.M. 601, P.P.G.W.

Lane, J., P.M. U02, P.P.G.R. (Devon)
Leighton, Stanley, P.M. 1124, P.P.G.W.
Lewis, R., P.M. 117, P.P.G.R.
Lister, J. C. W., P.M. 1120, P.P.G.A.D. of C.
Litt, W. E., P.M. 117.

McLeod, J. M., P.G.W. (Derbyshire), Sec. R.M.I, for Boys.

Mead, Colonel J.

MiUington, R., P.M. 601, P.P.G.D.

Morris, H., P.M. 1124.

Morris, J. H., 117.

Morris, W. B., P.M. 117.

Newman, H. P., J.D. 117 (2 copies).
Nicholson, A. C, 1432.

Ogg, W. J., 2131, P.P.G.S. of W.

Oswell, A. E. LI., P.M. 262, P.G.S. of W. (3 copies).

Oxley, L. J. R., 117.

Packer, H., J.W. 1120, 262.
Parsons, J. H., P.M. 1432, P.P.G.D.
Patchett, W., P.M. 117, 262 (2 copies).
Peele, Cecil, P.M. 262 (2 copies).
Peele, R. De C, Steward, 611.
Peele, W. C. C, I.G. 262 (2 copies).
Pigott, F. K., 262.

Redman, J. H., P.M. 262, P.P.G.W.
Roberts, T., P.M. 611, P.P.G.R.
Royle, T. C, P.M. 117, P.P.G.S.B.

SaHsbury, F. 262 (2 copies).

Salter, K. G., 2131, P.P.G.W.

Salwey, T. J., J.W. 611.

Sewell, J., 1621 P.P.G.O.

Smith, Bryce, P.M. 117, 1120, P.P.G.D.

Smith, H. P., S.W. 1896.

Smith, J. E., W.M. 262.

Smith, W. T., W.M. 1621.

Southam, J. D., J.W. 262 (2 copies).

Southam, S. C, S.D. 262.

Southwell, E. M., 1621.

Southwell, H. B., P.M. 1621, P.P.G.O.

Southwell, W. L., P.M. 1621, 262, P.P.G.W. (6 copies).
SpauU, W. H., P.M. 1124, P.O. Sec, P.A.G.D. of C.
Smallman, C. W., 1896.

Taylor, John, I.P.M. & Sec. 1402, J.W. 328.
Townsend, P.M. 117, 2311, P.P.G.S. of W.
Tredinnick, E., 262.
Trevor, A. S., P.M. 1621, P.P.G. Standard B.

Urry, R., 1884.

Venables, R. G., D.P.G.M.

Vine, J., P.M. 117, P.P.G.S. of W.

Wace, H. T., P.M. 262, P.P.G.S. of W.

Wakeman, E. M., P.M. 262, P.P.G.W., P.P.G.S. of W. (Oxford)

Wakeman, Sir 0., Bart., R.W.P.G.M. (14 copies).

Walker, W. B., 117.

Warren, G. Gordon, P.M. 1575, P.P.G.W. (Shrops.), P.P.G.R.
(Staffs.)

Watkiss, E., 1120.

Watson, W., P.M. 61, 2069 P.P.G.S. of W. (West Yorks.)

Watton, J., P.M. 117, 262.

Webber, F., P.M. Sec. G.S.C.S.J. 33°.

Westcott, W., P.M. 1621, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

Whitefoot, T., Junr., P.M. & Sec. 1621, P.P.G.W.

Williams, C. E., 1432.

Williams, J., 117.

Williams, R., J.W. 1896.

Williams, T., 892.

Withers, R. W. 0., 262.

The Salopian Lodge, 262 (20 copies)

The Salopian Chapter, 262 (2 copies).

The Salopian Lodge of Charity, 117 (2 copies).

St. John's Lodge, 601 (2 copies).

The Lodge of the Marches, 611.

The Lodge of St. Milburga, 1120.

The Lodge of St. Oswald, 1124.

The Fitzalan Lodge, 1432.

The Olive Lodge, 1575.

The Castle Lodge, 1621 (2 copies).

The Audley Lodge, 1896.

The Brownlow Lodge, 2131.

The Lodge of St. Alkmund, 2311.

Library Lodge Quatuor Ooronatorum (2 copies).

CONTENTS.

Preface ...

Introduction by Bro. W. J. Hughan

List of Subscribers

PAGE
iii

History of Freemasonry in the Pro\'ince of Shropshire

List of Existing Lodges

List of Existing Chapters

List of Extinct Lodges

List of ProTiucial Grand Officers

Lodge of St. Alkmund, Whitchurch, 2-311

Grand Lodge Register of Wliitchurch Lodge, 388 ...

Grand Lodge Register of Egerton Lodge, 445 ...

BrowTilow Lodge, Ellesmere, 2131

Audley Lodge, Newport, 1896

Castle Lodge, Bridgnorth, 1621 ...

Grand Lodge Register of Lodge of Industry, Bridgnorth, 578

Grand Chapter Register of Agenorian Chapter, 118

Clive Lodge, Market Drayton, 1 575 ...

Grand Lodge Register of Anchor & Hope Lodge, Woore, 644

Fitzalan Lodge, Oswestry, 1432

Lodge of St. Oswald, Oswestry, 1124

Lodge of St. Milburga, Ironbridge, 1120

Lodge of the Marches, Ludlow, 611

Grand Lodge Register of Mercian Lodge, Ludlow, 528

Lodge of St. John, WelUngton, 601

Grand Lodge Register of Wrekin Lodge, 445 ...

Eyton Chapter, Wellington, 601 ... ... •

Salopian Lodge of Charity, 117
Salopian Lodge, 262, Section 1 (1788-1813)
„ 2(1814-32)

„ „ 3 (1836-92)

Warrant of Salopian Lodge (Appendix A)

Centenary Warrant of Salopian Lodge (Appendix B)

Bye Laws (1788) (Appendix C)

List of Members of Salopian Lodge (1788-1891) (Appendix D)

104

144

168

210

212

214

219

THE

HISTORY OF FREEMASONRY

IN THE

Province of Shropshire.
— •^-*<-» —

have no intention of attempting to write a complete history
of the Province of Shropshire. The materials necessary
for the successful compilation of such a work, even if I possessed
the special knowledge and ability requisite to use them properly,
are not in my possession. Indeed, so far as I can ascertain,
such materials, except with reference to comparatively recent
times, are non-existent. None of the minute-books of any of the
Lodges founded in this County during the last century are now
available for reference, with the single exception of those
belonging to the Salopian Lodge, 262.(1) Any knowledge of
these Lodges must therefore be chiefly derived from Grand
Lodge records, which are meagre in the extreme, and consist
mainly, until the re-establishment of the Register of Members in
1768, of the mere dates of the foundation and formal erasure of
the several Lodges, together with a list of their several places of
meeting. It is evident that such information, accurate though
it be, can tell us nothing of lodge life, and give us little but the
dry bones of the real history of the Province.

The entire loss of the old lodge records necessarily
involves also the loss of all knowledge of Provincial Grand Lodge
Meetings, if any were in fact held ; for. Provincial Grand Lodges
being in early times held only in Craft Lodges, it is to the
records of the latter w-e must look, and look in vain, for
information about Provincial transactions.

(1) Some of those belonging to the Old Lodge of Industry at Bridgnorth are supposed
to he in existence, but cannot yet be produced, A

FREEMASONRY IN

The obscurity that wraps up as with a veil the history of
the Craft in the Province during the last century extends also to
the first half of the present century, though not, perhaps, to such
a marked degree. The records of the two Shrewsbury Lodges,
dating from 1788 and 1815 respectively, d) cover between them
this entire period (in no instance is there a hiatus in the
minutes of both Lodges at the same time) and, as details of the
Provincial history are slightly and occasionally noticed therein,
some little light is thereby cast upon the general darkness. At
best however, this light is but a flickering ray.

I am however, convinced that Masonry, did not until
about the year 1850 find a very secure footing in this County,
and the complete annals of the Province in the last Century,
and the early years of the present Century, if they ever are or can
be written, would, in my opinion, show little of interest to the
Craft in general. The Shropshire Lodges appear to have been
throughout this period composed mainly of brethren of low social
standing, who were content to discharge their Masonic duties
quietly and unostentatiously, their path lying for the most part
far aside, from the stream of conflict between "Ancients" and
"Moderns, "(2) which was then the most notable feature of
Masonic history. I must therefore necessarily content myself
with such a slight outline of the history of the Province as the
materials before me supply, and express the hope that it will
prove sufficiently interesting to Salopian Masons to warrant its
being written.

The office of Provincial Grand Master was first created
in the year 1726, and five years later, as is recorded by the
Freemason's Calendar, Sir Edward Matthews was appointed to
that dignity over the Province of Shropshire. Who Sir Edward
Matthews was I have been unable to discover. His name does
not appear in any of the " Histories of Shropshire," and he does

(1) The Salopian Lod^e oE Charity 117, founded in 1810, did not settle in Shrewsbury

till 1815, 80 that its earlier minutes do not apply to Shropshire.

(2) A short sketch of the origin of these rival bodies, to which constant reference is

hereafter made, will be found in the Salopian Lodge history under the year 1813,
and should be read at once by those who are unacquainted with its details.

THE PROVINCE OF SHKOPSHIEE.

not seem to have been a member of any of our Shropshire County
families. For five years he could have had no duties to discharge
as the first lodge in the Province was not founded till 1736. It
is impossible to say for what length of time he remained in ojffice,
but assuming that he did so until the date of the next recorded
appointment, he must have had at one time two lodges under
his jurisdiction, the one at Shrewsbury already referred to as
founded in 1736, and the other founded in 1744 at Oswestry.
Of these Lodges we know nothing except the dates of their
foundation, and their places of meeting ; and there is no reason
to suppose that their existence was in any way due to the
exertions of the P.G.M.

It seems, on the contrary, far more probable that they
were due to the presence of Brethren from Chester, in which
city Masonry was early established on a firm basis, and which,
as a Province, was the first in England to possess a Provincial
Grand Master. It is also not improbable that some of the trav-
elling bands of masons mentioned in Dr. Plott's Natural History
of Staffordshire had early crossed the border into Shropshire.
The following extract taken from the Much Wenlock Church
Register, and included in the report of the Historical M.SS.
Commission, seems to relate to a member of such a band.

"Walter Hancox, freemason, was buryed the 16 day of
" September [1599]. This man was a very skilfuU man in the
" art of Masonry, in settinge of plottes for buildinges and
" performinge of the same, ingravinge in alebaster and other
" stone or playster, and in divers other giftes that belong to that
" art, as dothe appeare by his workes whiche may be seene
"in divers partes of England and Walles, most sompteouse
" buildings, most stately tombes, most curyous pictures. And to
" conclude in all workes he tooke in hand he hathe left behinde him
" longe lastinge monuments of skilfull workmanship, and besides
" these quaHtyes, he had others which passed these, he was a most
" honest man, devout and zelouse in religion, pittifull to the poore,
" and had the love and good-will of all his honeste neighbours."

FREEMASONRY IN

I must not be understood as asserting that Hancox was a
speculative mason. I use the passage merely to show that the
elements out of which speculative masonry developed, were, at
an early date, present in Shropshire as well as in the bordering
counties.

Whatever may have been the chief factor in the founda-
tion of the early Shropshire Lodges, it is abundantly evident that
the period of their existence was but short, that they never were
established on a secure foundation, and that there is no trace of
a Provincial Grand Lodge in the modern sense of the phrase
under the rule of Sir Edward Matthews, or for many years
afterwards.

The next name in the list of Provincial Grand Masters
contained in the Freemasons' Calendar is that of George Durant
(1774-1779). In the year 1753 it would, however, appear that
Lord' Oarysfort, then Grand Ma3ter, appointed Sir Robert de
Cornwall, Provincial Grand Master for the Counties of Worcester'
Gloucester, Salop, Monmouth, and Hereford. Commenting on
this appointment, especially with reference to the County of
Gloucester, Bro. Sadler in his most interesting work " Thomas
Dunckerley, his Life, Labours, and Letters," remarks, (i) that
" Sir Robert was one of the more ornamental than useful sort, a
merely nominal head of the Craft in the County, selected
probably from motives of friendship, rather than from any
special qualification for the post. With the exception of having
attended a meeting of the Grand Lodge when his patron was
present, (2) the records throw no light on whatever services he
may have rendered to the Craft to merit this great distinction.
The Book of Constitutions, published in 1767, contains a list of
all the Provincial Grand Masters that had been appointed since
the office was created (1726). This list was revised in 1769 with
a view of printing the names of such as were still in existence,
with the List of Lodges for 1770. Those who had not already

(1) Pases 198-109.

(2) " ~

Held at the Devil Tavern, Temple Bar, Nov. 23rd, 1753.

THE PnOVINCE OP SHROPSHIllE.

been superseded, were accordingly written to by the Grand

Secretary, to ascertain whether they were dead or alive. He

apparently acted under instructions, for against the name of Sir

Robert de Cornwall is written 'Take no notice of him.' It is

not therefore a matter of surprise that the name of this highly

favoured brother should not be found in ' A List of the present

acting Provincial Grand Masters' for 1770, nor does it appear in

any subsequent list." His name is, however, now inserted

in the Freemason's Calendar as P.G.M. for Gloucester, Hereford,

Monmouth, and Worcester, and also for North Wales, and its

omission from the Ust of P.G.M.'s for Shropshire I cannot account

for. If it is properly included in the former lists, it ought also

to be in the latter. Durant seems to have been of the same

stamp as Sir Robert de Cornwall, and the remarks applied

by Bro. Sadler to the latter might with equal justice be applied

to the former, so far at all events as Shropshire Masonry is

concerned. His jurisdiction, even if he exercised all that rightly

belonged to his office, only extended over a nameless Lodge in

Shrewsbury, 227, which was extinct in 1775, and the Lodge of

Friendship at Bridgnorth, 413, which ceased to work before 1783,

its number in that year being 322. He was a member of that

old Shropshire family, which until quite recently had its seat at

Tong Castle, near Shifnal, and was Member of Parliament for

Evesham in Worcester in or about the year 1777.(i) A few facts

about his Masonic career are also known. He was a member of

the Somerset House Lodge No. 4,(2) prior to 1768, and was Grand

Steward from May 1773 to May 1774, but he never attended

Grand Lodge as a P.G.M., nor paid his fee on his appointment to

that office. Except as above stated I do not think his name

occurs in the records of the Craft, and his services to Shropshire

Masonry may be considered as absolutely nil. We have no

evidence that he was ever even a member of a Shropshire Lodge.

From the fact that Shropshire is not mentioned as a Province in

the Book of Constitutions published in 1784, it may be inferred

(1) Hulbert's History of Shrewsbury, Appendix p. 17.

(2) The junior o£ the four Lodges which united in 1717 to found the premier Grand

Lodge of the world.

FREEMASONRY IN

that on the death or resignation of Durant, in 1779, no fresh
appointment to the office of P.G.M. was made. Such an
appointment would in fact have been almost objectless, as
Masonry was tlien practically extinct in the County. From
1783-1785 not a single Lodge was in existence. The latter year
may be taken as the date of the revival of the Craft in the
the Province. The chief actor in the revival, was a half-pay
officer named Major Charles Shirreff, who in 1784 had retired
from active service, and settled down at Whitchurch.

A considerable number of his letters are still in existence,
and from them some interesting information can be extracted.
Some of them are quoted.^' by Bro. Sadler in his "Masonic Facts
and Fictions," for the purpose of showing that letters intended
for one of the rival Grand Lodges " Ancient and Modern," often
got into the possession of the wrong faction, and were answered
by the actual recipients as if the writers really belonged to their
Constitution. These letters are most valuable for our purpose
as they deal with Shropshire Masonry, but of such of them as
are quoted by Bro. Sadler, I propose only to give a summary ;
The first was addressed to Dr. Robert Bath, No. 399, Oxford
Street, London, and is dated the 23rd April, 1785. It begins
by stating that the writer was " An Antient Mason of 27 years
standing," had " been Master of sev'l Lodges, and constituted
one in the Island of Jersey," and not finding in Shropshire or
Cheshire a Grand Lodge from whom he could obtain a deputa-
tion to constitute a Lodge in Whitchurch, he wished to know
the expense of obtaining one in London, and also desired to be
put into communication with the Grand Secretary. In a post-
script he adds " Please to remember that I keep up to Antient
Masonry and will adhei-e to none other." His next letter
addressed to " The Secretary of the Grand Lodge of London," '
was evidently enclosed under cover to Dr, Bath, and was by him
handed to the Grand Secretary of the " Moderns " instead
of to the Grand Secretary of the "Antients," for whom it

(1) At pages 150-155,

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

was doubtless intended. It is dated the 1st May, 1785, and
reiterates his desire to form a Lodge at Whitchurch, though he
"did not purpose working in the lower degrees of Masonry any
more" after having retired from the Army. The next letter,
dated the 27th June, 1785, is addressed to Mr. William White,
Free Masons Hall, Great Queen Street, Lincolns Inn Fields,
London, then the Grand Secretary of the "Moderns." It con-
tains chiefly the writer's proofs of his being an "Antient"
Mason. Curious though it may seem, some understanding was
eventually arrived at between the "Antient" Mason, and the
Grand Secretary of the "Moderns," for the Warrant for a
Lodge at Whitchurch was ultimately granted to Major Shirreff.
The delay of nearly seven months before the matter was finally
completed, was, however, a great source of annoyance to him.
Having arrived at the " Ne plus ultra" or 25th degree, as he
himself repeatedly tells us, and " holding also a patent from the
King of Prussia, through one of the Deputy Grand Inspectors in
North America," he considered that more prompt attention
should have been paid by Grand Lodge to any expression of his
wishes, and this annoyance finds frequent expression in his
letters. He had also a rather warm dispute with the Provincial
Grand Lodge of Chester over a trifling mistake. Having
obtained the promise of the Warrant from Grand Lodge, he
wrote to Sir Robert Cotton, P.G.M. for that Province for his
assistance in constituting the Lodge. This, so far as I can
understand the matter, was regarded by the Provincial Grand
Secretary of Chester, as an application for a Warrant, but he
was speedily undeceived by Major Shirreff, who promptly
asserted his independence of all authority except that of Grand
Lodge. The Whitchurch Lodge was eventually constituted on
the 15th November, 1785, and on the 17th of the same month
the old soldier wrote to Mr. White as follows : — " On the 15th
Inst., with the assistance of three Masters from Chester and two
besides myself here,(i) I opened the Lodge in the usual way, and

(1) In another letter he had stated that the only Mason besides himself in Whitchurch
was a Fellow Craft. This was probably his Junior Warden Wm. L. Brookes who had
been initiated whilst resident at the University of Cambridge at the age of 13 years.

PEEEMASONRT IN

haveing one above the number that can constitute ; it was
accordingly done and named the Whitchurch Lodge No. 1, to
be held at the White Lion Inn, in s'd town. * * * Agreeable
to your desire I now send you a list of the Members that com-
pose the Body, viz., C. Shirreff, Master ; Revd. Francis Henry
Egerton, S.W. ; Wm. L. Brookes, J.W. ; Arthur Blaney, S.D. ;
Wm. Turner, J.D. ; James Turner Meakin, Stew'd ; Revd.
Godfrey Wooley, Treasurer ; Revd. John ColUer, Secretary ;
Peter Newton and Richard Bentley, Tylers."

Of Shirreff's methods of work in the Lodge thus created,
we know nothing. Bro. Sadler remarks that " whether he
continued to ' work in the Antient way ' or became modernized
in his old age is not quite clear. I have carefully read his
numerous letters, and they do not indicate any change in this
respect, indeed I am inclined to believe that he was hardly
the sort of person to be easily convinced that he had been
wrong during the whole of his Masonic career." In December,
1785, he again wrote to White, " I have the pleasure to acquaint
you that every one seems determined to observe the Antient
Custom of Masonry," " This," says Bro. Sadler, " coupled with
the appointment of Deacons, seems to support my idea that
he did not alter his mode of working." The early customs of
my own Lodge No. 262, to which I shall hereafter have
occasion to refer, <i' and the adoption of which was doubtless
due to a great extent to his influence, will, I thinlc, materially
strengthen the evidence upon this point, and show that Bro.
Sadler's conclusion is probably correct.

Having thus founded a lodge, Shirreff's next step was to
obtain the re-establishment of Shropshire as a Province, and he
at once intimated his intention of applying for the post of
P.G.M. " provided," as he puts it, " it is within the reach of my
Finances." As however, his income was at this time only 2/6
per diem, being that of a half-pay officer, it was evident he

(1) See Salopian Lodge History for the year 1788.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 9

could not undertake the expenses of such an office, and
eventually he relinquished his intention in favour of his Senior
Warden, as we shall presently see.

The rest of Major Shirreff's correspondence with the Grand
Secretary has, I believe, never been either published or quoted
from, and I venture here to extract from it all passages that may
interest Salopians. These extracts are of considerable length,
but they convey information not to be otherwise obtained, and
I believe they will afford in themselves a truer picture of the
man and his work in the Province than any history I could
concoct from them would present. I regret that much of interest
must be omitted. Major Shirreff was accustomed to write freely
of his knowledge of the so called "Higher Degrees," and the
superiority of his method of imparting that knowledge ; his
letters, too, show that he succeeded in infecting the Grand
Secretary and other prominent Masons in London with his ideas
upon this subject ; but such topics lie outside the scope of my
present purpose, and cannot now be dealt with. It is evident
that he was a constant sufferer from rheumatism and gout, and
the length and legibility of his numerous epistles, are, considering
the difficulties with which he had to contend, amazing. They
are all dated from "Whitchurch in Shropshire,'' and are
addressed to William White, the Grand Secretary.

3Ist October, 17£5.
" I shall observe the same Rules in this Lodge as I always did to admit none
but Gentlemen, and as this is the first instance of one ever known here,
in all probability as I will not admit the 2nd class, they may form a
Hody, if so I hope their Warrent will express that tliey are to Look on
our Lodge as the Head, &c., ic."

This letter of course refers to the Whitchurch Lodge,
which at this date had not been constituted. As will be seen
hereafter another Lodge was subsequently founded in Whitchurch

10 VREEMASONEY IN

by Major Shirreff, and the implied superiority of the Lodge first
in date, has an important bearing on the question hereafter
discussed — Was there or was there not a real Provincial Grand
Lodge in Shropshire during any part of the last century ?

30th November, 1785.

' The prospects I have in Establishing a Lodge of Respectability in this Town
gives me pleasure, as I am the Founder of it, and as none of Its present
members know nothing of its Progress ; and wishing that they should
find what I have said is by no means to arrogate to myself any Merit
but is my Due, you will "much oblige me to Let me know for their
guidance what respect is Customary to be shown to the Founder of a
Lodge : and the Past Master : as I do not mean always to be a Hack ;
and at the same time when I resign the Chair, I do not give up my
authority in that Lodge, being in the Superior Degrees which ihey
have not attain'd to, I beg you will according to the English Constitu-
tion draw this Line, as I have some who have been made in France,
and as that Nation are too fond of intrigueing, their making of masons
was not altogether to my way of thinking."

From a letter dated the 17th December, 1785, we learn
that five initiations had taken in the Whitchurch Lodge within
a month of its being constituted. The names of the candidates
were — Samuel Hodson, Peter Gregory, John Gregory, James
Simpson, and Charles Gibbons. George Watson, who had been
initiated at Chester, joined the lodge in the following month.

6th February, 1786.

'My S.W. the Kevd. Mr. Egerton, son of the Bishop of Durham's, and our
Rector here left us ou the 3rd Inst., and from the Conversation that
pass'd between us respecting the Fraternity, altho' he knows but very
Little of it, yet as he will be advis'd by me, and appoint me his
D.G.Mr., I have advis'd him as he is known to Ld. Effingham, to get
appointed for the County, he being a man of family & fortune it will
be the means of promoteing the Craft in this County, and wherein that
is concern'd I always Yield, and espesially so when the person who tills
the Chair, is ready to receive advice, in this case it is of Little moment
who is in it, further on my own part I have never fiU'd any chair yet
as a Mason, that I found any one Could talk to me ; but his answer
was ready for him."

THE PEOVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 11

The recommendation contained in this letter was promptly-
attended to as the Revd. F. H. Egerton was duly appointed
P.G.M. for Shropshire shortly afterwards, and was installed by
Shirreff in August, as we learn from the following extract.

IstOctr., 1786.
' Oil my return I forwarded your letter to the Wynnstay Lodge agreeable to
your address, and wrote the Mastr. two letters myself : but not a Line in
answer to any one of them, which makes me Conclude they have Either
Ceased to meet, or Else removed the lodge out of this County. The
Revd Mr. Egerton I had the Honour of Installing him our P.G.M. on
the 10th of August, who appointed me his Deputy ; this was Inserted
in this County's & also in Chester papers for the Guidance of those
Conoern'd. As yet I have heard nothing from the Brethren at Bridg-
north, now under the displeasure of the Gd. Lodge ; I should be
happy they would put it in my power through you to Effect a
Reconciliation. "

The Wynnstay, was a Lodge at Oswestry, first founded
in 1785, but not, so far as I can ascertain, originally established
in Shropshire. Some further account of it will be found in
connection with an extract from a later letter dated 2nd Febry.,
1789. With respect to the Bridgnorth Lodge, I conclude that
the displeasure of Grand Lodge here referred to, arose from its
neglect to furnish its proper yearly returns. It is stated by
Bro. Lane to have been erased in 1783, yet it is curious, if that
statement be correct, to find the Grand Secretary writing to its
Master in 1786. Probably the Lodge ceased to work in 1783,
and its erasure was ante-dated to suit that fact. The letter of
the 2nd Febry., 1789, already referred to, shows that Shirreff
was still in communication with the Grand Secretary about it in
that year. The succeeding extracts refer principally to the
Salopian Lodge.

2nd June, 1788.
" I have just received a letter from the Revd. Bro. Egerton, inclosing me a
petition from several persons at Shrewsbury praying him as P.G.M.
for the Coiiuty to grant them a Warrants as some luformatiou

12 FEEEMASONEY IN

is further Necessary previous to Its being made out, have accordingly
written to them at Shrewsbury to be particular in answering my Letter,
in the Interim will be much Oblig'd to you if you will be pleas'd to
make out for me a Rough Form how these P.G. Warts, are made out,
Leaving the Blanks to fill up, against I have the pleasure of seeing you,
which will be soon after the 12th Inst, as t Leave this on that day for
Town, and any other Information you can give me for the Conduct of
P.G. Lodges, be so kind as to minute them down for me." * * *

1st July, 1788.

' I am now to acquaint you that in Consequence of my writeing to Shrews-
bury the intended Master with two of the Officers of the new Lodge to
be Formed waited on me, and I have granted him a Dispensation to act
&c. till their Warrent of Constitution is made out, which that you
may be enabled to do, I transmit you the following particulars about
it, viz. — Their Petition for a Wart, was dated 1.3th May last.
AVilliam Neal, Master; Thomas Barkley, Sour. Warden; William
Cotton, (1) Junr. Warden ; John Beck, Tresr. ; John Brackley Prichard,
Secty. ; John Hall, Senr. Deacon ; Edward Inis,(2) Junr. Deacon ; and
Michael Kavanagh, Tyler. The Lodge to be called the Salopian Lodge
No. 1, and to be held at the sign of the Fox, in the town of Shrews-
bury, County of Salop, and their time of meeting to be on the first
Tuesday in every mouth. As I expect Kevd. Mr. Egerton here very
shortly, I beg you will have the Warrent made out in the same form
as that of ours here for No. 1 Whitchurch, & send it as soon as you
can, that I may have it ready for the P.G. Mr. to sign on his joining us,
as his stay will not be long here ; vhere it is to be sigu'd mark with
your Pencil, & in your note please inform me whether any one is to
sign it besides the P.G. P. {sic) as he means to sign it himself. * *
When you make out this Warrent, I hope you Avill give it the No. as
you said you would. I want a neat Lodge Bible about 2 gu., or a
little more, and buch a Book of Constitutions as you sent to the Barry
Lodge, both books to be bound alike, and Embellished in a Decent
planner. I beg leave to observe to you that the Form at the beginning
of the Wart, may run thus (instead of We Francis Henry Egerton as
Mr. Sweetenborg's copy is) We the Kevd. Francis Henry Egerton, &o., ,
ke., kc, P.G.Mr, for the County of Salop, & so on &c.

From the copy of the Warrant given in Appendix A, it
■will be seen that the P.G.M. never signed it. Shirreff, however,
signed it both as D. P.G.M. and also as P.G. Secretary. The
number was not given to the Lodge until some time afterwards.
The Barry Lodge is again mentioned in these letters, a short
account of it will be found in the Salopian Lodge History under
the year 1788.

(1) This sViouia be Cottom, but it is correctly spelled in the Warrant.

B) Also spelled in this manner in the Warrant; the name reaUy is " Innya."

THE PROVINCE OF SHUOPSIIIEE. 13

30tli July, 17SS.
'This is to request yon will have made for me six- wliite collars & send
them add ress'd to me here. When fiuish'd they are intended for the
Salopian Lodge. I am in hopes tliis may catch you in time to send
them with the Bihle &o., hat the Warrent I do not care how soon you
sent it for reasons already told yon, & the Expense Attending the
whole I shall take proper Steps to have you repaid."

ledi August, 1788.
' I rec'd yonrs of the 5th Inst , and in a few days after the Paper Parcel safe
& in good order, and as I was to see the JIastcr and some of the
Officers of the Lodge on the lith (our Lodge Night) was my reason for
not answering y'r favor sooner ; they came as expected, and I
presented them with their IJible, &c., they were much pleas'd with
everything sent, & particularly desired me to return you their kind
thanks, ami that they were much oblig'd to you. I have set them
agoing, & doubt not they will be a most Respectable Lodge ; & I
purpose as D. P.G. M. now and then to visit them and to see how they
come on. You signified to me in a former Lor. the expense of a \Vt.
would be £i lis. 6d. * * and our P.G.II. Wt. says that for
every Wt. of Constitution we grant we shall send to the G.T. of the
Society in London £5 5s. Od. 1 apprehend this is a mistake by half-
a gu. too much, however, agreeable to the sum Specified in the P.G.M.
Wt. I now remit you for the purpo.ses therein mention'd five gnineasd)
& also to repay your acc't £i 2s. 8d., making the sum of £9 7s. 8d.
as above mention'd. * * * Masonry I have much at Heart, and I
am in hopes ere long to send you a list of names for a fresh Wt. I
shall ever be happy in promoting the Welfare of the Society, and I may
venture to tell yon, there is but lew on the List (Considering Situa-
tions) That's done more for its prosperity than I have. * * *

17th Sep., 1788.

' I am just return'd from visiting the Barry and Salopian Lodges, and it
gives me much Satisfaction to inform you I approve of there [sic) Con-
duct in all respects, the Latter Lodge has as yet rec'd no Qnaterly {sic)
Communication, and I again request you will give me the No. of their
Lodge."

(11 The Salopian Lodge doly repaid the D.P.G.M. five guineas for the Warrant, so that
the mistake, if any, was never rectified. The Si 2s. 8d. was for the Bible, &c.,
pmohased for the Lodge as mentioned in an earlier letter.

14 FBEEMASONRY IN

10.

2nd Febry., 1789.

" I observe what you say ab't D.P.G.M. Jewel amounting to ab't 30/- which
I shall leave intirely to your Taste as far as two Guineas will go, & a
proper Ribbon to wear with it, if I am within Compass for a Neat one
so far good, but I shall not mind a few shillings more, as I think I
can't be turn'd out of olBce (unless I act not in character), is my motive
for being at this Expence willing to add to the Dignity of Masonry all
in my power. Every Inquiry has been made by me Respecting the
Lodj^e held in Oswestry ; none I am told has been held there for some
years past, the Wynnstay Lodge No. •S24 formerly did Assemble there
have left this county, & I am inform'd meet in Wales, so that is not
in our District ; the Lodge No. 322, formerly held at Bridgnorth (now
erased) have heard nothing of them, & I now acquaint you that there
are no more Lodges held to my knowledge in this district than you
have already been inform'd of by me. * * * in all probability
more Lodges will soon be in this County, & it is ray intentions to do
the business as concisely as possible, so that the Craft shall flourish,
and the orders of the Grand Lodge punctually observ'd, & if the
Lodges are once made acquainted from you that in all business of
Jlasonry must come to you through us, this matter will be Adjusted to
the Satisfaction of us both. I with pleasure inform you that another
Lodge is agoing to be fix'd here w'ch is approv'd of by the P.G. Jlr.,
it will Cost me much trouble, as I must Constantly attend (they being
Young in the business) to act as ilr. is my reason for now desireing
you will Leave a space for one to be inserted by us whenever we can find
one that is fit for the office, but as I shall keep them close at it, hope
shortly to Effect it, as I spare no pains for the good of iVIasonry — there
petition to us was dated on 25th Deer. Last. Oificers to wit —

.Master (this for us to fill up).

JOHN PERRY, SW., age 34. Profession— Waiter.

"WALTER THOMAS, J.W., do. 24 , Clock & Watch Maker

HENJAMIN LAKIN, Tleasr. do. 34 ,, Cabinet Maker.

WILLIAM DODD, Secty., do. 30 „ Grocer.

JOHN HROOKES, S.D., do. 27 ,, Shoemaker.

JOHN HINTON, J.D., do. 24 „ Shoemaker.

PETER WRIGHT, Tyler, do. 43 „ Inn Holder.

The Lodge to he called the Egerton Lodge No. 2 at Whitchurch, to be
held in this Town at the sign of the Coach & Horses, & to assemble
on the last Monday in each Month, so that you will please make out
the Wart. Sevl. others will join us in a few days, haveing Granted
leave for that purpose • * * P. S. In order to bring a Bror. on to
fill the chair as soon as possible, its my intention, that myself or one
of our Past Mr. do always attend them when they meet (or to adjust
the business, w'ch will not be long in doing, as two of the members
were Master Masons in Chester, and are now Remov'd to this town to
reside."

It is somewhat curious to observe that none of the officers
of the Egerton Lodge mentioned in this letter were registered in
Grand Lodge.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 15

As will be seen hereafter Shirreff miscalculated the length
of his tenure of the office of D.P.G.M., so that his purchase of
the jewel mentioned in this letter proved a bad investment.
The Wynnstay Lodge appears to have been founded at Wynn-
stay, in Denbighshire, in 1771, by the grandfather of the late
R.W.P.G.M., and to have removed to Oswestry in 1785, without
the knowledge of Grand Lodge. If Shirreff's account of its
movements be correct, it seems to have returned over the border
into Wales shortly afterwards, such removal being likewise with-
out permission. Its erasure is dated 1789, and probably took
place as an immediate consequence of this letter. The case of
the Bridgnorth Lodge, called the Lodge of Friendship, has been
already referred to in connection with Shirreff's fourth letter.
The establishment of the Egerton Lodge, brought the number of
Lodges in the Province at this date up to three, not including
the Barry Lodge, a military Lodge in the 34th Regiment, then
stationed at Shrewsbury. The usual Book of Constitutions, .
Bible, Collars, and other lodge requisites, were purchased by
Shirreff from the Grand Secretary for the Egerton Lodge.

11.

June 3rd, 1789.
" I am just return'd from visiting my friends (at Newport, Shefnal, Welling-
ton, Shrewsbury, Ellesmere, Wrexham, and Namptwich) * • *
bein" in hopes Ere Long to receive Applications to set 3 or 4 more
Lodges agoing, so you will see Masonry I have much at heart as well
abroad as at home. * * * I have dated the Wart, the day of their
Petition, viz., 1st Janry., 1789, and appointed their olBcers as follows—
ISro. Walter Thomas to be Master, Bro. Robt. Barrow Jones, S.W.,
and Bro. Benjamin Lakin J. W. * * * I inspected the Lodges
when in Shrewsbury, & found everything going on Right. The
Ensuing Festival of St. John being our Triennial return, that Masons
generally observe in the Country, Its my intentions that the Lodges in
this County do attend me on that day, in order to proceed to Church
and Dine together. The Barry Lodge on acct. of the militia being
Embodied are remov'd from Shrewsbury, wh'ch prevents them from
attending us, and I am inform'd they mean to apply for leave to go in
procession on their Return. As the day will have been observ'd
a<Jreeable to Antient Custom, I shall not be fond of bringing up new
Precedents, but should they apply, refer them to the P.G.M. & give
him my opinion, for I think going too often in procession looks more
like Parade, &c., therefore once in three years is suflicieut, I hoije you
will agree with me," * « « *

The Warrant here referred to was that of the Egerton
Lodo-e. The 34th Regiment in which the Barry Lodge was

16 FREEMASONRY IN

formed, was moved to Oswestry from Shrewsbury during the
training of the militia ; the same thing took place in 1788, as may
be seen from the files of the Shrewsbury Chronicle (June 28th.
1788). The Salopian Lodge History for 1789 contains a fuller
account of the procession thus arranged by ShirreiF. The
inclusion of Wrexham and Nantwich in the list of visits paid by
the D.P.G.M. is a proof that he had indeed " Masonry much at
heart," for those towns lie outside the Province of Shropshire.
Shortly after that date, viz., in 1793, a Lodge, No. 520, was
founded at Nantwich, which survives to the present day, and is
now No. 293 on the roll. Another Lodge was also constituted
in the same town in 1794, No. 543, but it did not long survive,
and in 1810 its warrant was assigned to a Lodge in the Cornwall
Militia, with the new number 618. No lodge was founded in
Wrexham exactly at this period, but in 1802 the Warrant of the
Lodge of Peace and Good Neighbourhood, 548, originally consti-
tuted at Wynnstay, in Denbighshire (1795), (i) was re-issued to a
Lodge in that town. Curiously enough in the year I&IO the
Warrant thus re-issued to a Wrexham Lodge, was assigned to a
Lodge at Truro, with the new number 620. This re-issuiag and
assignment of warrants of extinct Lodges, will be considered
more fully at a future page in connection with the history of the
Lodge of the Marches 611, and the Salopian Lodge of Charity
117. It may be sufficient here to notice that the re-issues of the
Warrants above referred to, were diiferent from the examples
of similar practices to be noted in connection with the last men-
tioned Lodges, inasmuch as new numbers were given to the new
Lodges, the Warrants were retained by Grand Lodge, and fresh
ones were issued containing recitals referring to the old Lodges.
The advantage of this method was that full fees, as for the con-
stitution of a new Lodge, were exacted in each instance. I am
informed by Bro. H. Claud Lisle, Secretary of the Nantwich
Lodge 293, that, unfortunately, the first minute book of that
Lodge is not now in existence, so that we cannot definitely
ascertain if Shirreff took any active part in its foundation.

(1) This Lodge must not be confounded with the older one founded in the same place
in 1771, removed to Oswestry in 1785, and ei"ased in 1789 as before mentioned.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIEE. 17

12.

In this letter the Grand Secretary is asked for informa-

on three doubtful points.

6th July, 1789.

" 1st Myself as founder of the Lo. & of Course P.SI., whether or not in the
absence of the Mr. as P.M. & all P.M. have not a Right to the Chair
& to do the business in Preference to the S. W. as it but too often
happens they are Ignorant and know not how to Conduct matters, &
for P.M. to be GoveruVl by Novices appears to me not Masonic.

2nd— In my official Capacity as D.P.G.M. have I not a Right to the Chair
when I chuse it on any meeting of Masons to open and close the Lo.
& to do the business, but particularly so in the Lo. I am a P.M. &
member of.

3rd— Whenever the Lo. meet & the Mr. is present and the P.G.M. or his
Depty. are there, & do not chuse to take the Chair that Evg.
should not the M. previous to opening & Closeing pay the Compt. to
the Gd. Mr. or Depty. to know their pleasure, this was the mode I
ever saw in America. ... ... ... I wish to do right, &

what is now mention to you & Bro. H. is in confidence. Last
Saturday I initiated Sir RichJ. Hill ; John Hill, Esqre. ; Revd. Brian
Hill ; & Mr. John Hill, Junr. who join'd our body as Members, the
Latter being rather nnder Age, a Dispensation was granted for his
Introduction ; at the Proper time you shall have a Regular Acc't of all
our proceedings & balances &c. from our Lodges sent you." * * *

The ideas of Major Shirreff as to the conduct of Lodge
business seem to have been peculiar. With respect to his first
question, he was clearly in the wrong, as the point seems to have
been expressly provided for on page 395 of the Constitutions of
1784. Bro. H. here referred to was James Heseltine, G.S. till
1784, and S.G.W. and G.T. in the following year. He seems to
have been especially struck with Shirreff's " ne plus ultra "
notions. John Hill was M.P. for Shrewsbury at this time, and
W.M. of the Egerton Lodge in the following year.

13.

26th Septr., 1789.

* » * * "On the 14th Inst, a Petition from Sevl. Brethren at
Wellington to the Revd. Francis Henry Egerton, P.G.M. , praying for
a Warrent &c. was approv'd of by him, so that you will be pleased to
have a Warrent drawn out Nominateing Bro. Thomas Jukes Collier,
Master; Bro. William Emery, S.W. ; and Bro. Richard Phillips, J. W.,
thereof to be named the Wrekin Lodge, And to meet on the last Friday
in each Month previous to the full Moon at the Talbot Inn, in the Town
of Wellington County of Salop. There are a number of Candidates to
join them, and I doubt not they will be a good Society, and at the

18 TREEMASONRY IN

usual time I shall send you a particular Ace't of tliem with all arrears
&c. from every Lodge in the County. * * * Please put the No. of
the Lodge to the Wart., and I hope this will he in time to insert the
New Lodge in the next F. M. Kalendar for the Eiisuiug year. We have
had no Quarterly Communication for a Long while— the Wart, may be
dated, if you think proper, on the 4th Inst., the day they made
application." » * *

The usual order for a neat Bible and neat Book of Con-
stitutions, and six white collars follows in due course ; the
D.P.G'.M. seems to have regarded the furnishing of the Lodge as
part of his official duty. As in the case of the Egerton Lodge
already noticed, the names of the first officers of the Wrekin
Lodge were not registered in Grand Lodge.

14.

21st Deer., 1789.

" I rec'J your. favour of the 24th Octr. in Answer to which am to Acquaint
you, that as soon after the 28th Inst., It is in my power, I will Collect
ifrom the dilft. Lodges there arrears to that Period, & transmit you a
regular Acct. & send you an order for the Cash as usual. * » *
Tlie Wait. &c. for the Wellington Lodge, I beg may be forwarded as
soon as possible, that the P.G.M. may sign it previous to his leaving
us abt. the Middle of next month. * * *
This morning I sent you ofif by waggon for the blossoms Inn,
Lawrence Lane address'd for you as this le'r. a turkey kill'd yesterday,
it is in Its feathers & undrawn ; hope it will get safe and prove
acceptable to your good woman. * * You will much oblige
us to send three proper candles for the Lodge, and the price, which I
will repay you with thanks."

15.

14th Septr., 1790.

* * * "I have the pleasure to inform you that JIasonry flourishes
in this County, and that all disputes with the S, Lodge are happily
terminated, and the Different Bodies assembled at Shrewsbury on the
31st Augt., went in procession to Church, din'd together, 88 of us,
Clos'd the Lodge at 6 o'clock, & I was off directly afier for Home ;
everything was conducted to give satisfaction, and would have been
completely so had it not been for the Officiousness of a Brother, whom
I was Obliged to call to order several times ; he was a visitor & the
most troublesome one I ever had to manage, the Brethren tho't I was
too mild with him, but Lenity I think at all times is best. He is by
his own Acct. a very great Mason, now Master of three Lodges, and
S. W. of a fourth Lodge in London, & pretends to have a thorongh
knowledge of you & my wortliy Hro. Hesseltine, & I am since
inform'd he disapproves of my Conduct, & means to relate it to you,
if so, you will know the Man, and that is my reason for not Announce-
ing his Name in this, in hopes he may think better of it ; he talks
much of his power, and if Justice is not done him, he can have you
& I turn'd out of office ; this is just intended for your Information,

THE PROVINCE OP SHEOPSHIRE. 19

that should this Genins heave in sight, j'ou may be prepar'J to answer
him, for had he had his desert, it would have been to quit us, not
above 5, if so many, in the room but would have been glad of it, but
talcing him altogether to be not right in his head, I tho't it best to act
as I did, for he had such an opinion of himself plainly indicated to me
I could not reform him, and happy was your friend when he quitted
hira. In due time you shall have sent you by me the returns of the
Difft. Lodges & the Cash from each, &c. I beg to know whether you
have done anything respecting our Lodge chairs. Mr. Egerton I
expect soon to be with us." » « *

Some further account of this great meeting at Shrewsbury
will be found in the Salopian Lodge History for 1790. Nothing
in connection with the dispute with the S(alopian) Lodge appears
upon its minute books, but we learn its nature from a letter of
the P.G.M. dated the 5th July, 1790, which has been preserved
in Grand Lodge. It appears that in Febry. the Salopian Lodge
applied for a Dispensation to walk in procession on St. John's
Day. This was refused by the P.G.M. as it would have inter-
fered with the other Lodges in the county. Thereupon the
Lodge appealed to Grand Lodge. The issue of that appeal we
do not know, but evidently some compromise was arrived at, for
the Lodge did not go in procession on St. John's Day, though
they had previously advertised their intention so to do, but joined
with the other Lodges in the county in the procession of the 31st
August, to which Major Shirreff's letter refers. Egerton's letter
is too long to be quoted here, but in appealing to the Grand
Secretary for advice, he shows a large mindedness and sense of
fairness very different from the more arbitrary spirit of his
Deputy.

16.

11th Jan., 1791.

* * * * " Should anything happen to prevent my recg. their
accounts (wch. I can't think will be the case) so as not to be in time
for their Insertion in the next Q.C., I beg you will for the Whitchurch
Lodge Insert for Eegistg. Fees 5/- ; Grand Charity, two guineas ; &
for the Cumberland School one guinea (which I request you'll pay to
the Secty. of that Society) for the Egerton Lodge Kegisreiing Fees
£1 2s. 6d. & for the Grand Charity, half-a-gninea. * * * The
name you wish to know — shall inform you, but it must rest with your
self, I take him to be a very Eccentric Man. Look at your Alphabet
in the 7th Degree, and observe the follg.— will tell you his name (here
follows the name in cypher.) * • * 'Pwo letters have
paas'd between me & Captain Bridgewators at Ludlow, wanting tha

20 FREEMASONRY IN

r.G.M. to let liim act under the Old AVart. Granted to the Sion Lodge
in 1772, in New York, & sign'd Peter Middleton, Esqre., D.l'.G.M.,
under Sir John Johnson, Bart., P.G.M. My answer is as there is no
one Bro. but himself present belonging to that Lodge, lie can't act as
an Individual by that Wart., & of course a new one is Necessary for
the Establishing of one in Ludlow, w'ch he seems to Acquiesce in, so
that I expect shortly to send to you on their business. Harmony at
present prevails among the Lodges, & I shall do all iu my power for
its Continuance."

The name given in this letter in cypher is evidently that
of the " Officious Brother " mentioned in the previous letter. I
cannot interpret the cypher of the 7th or any other degree, but
I believe the person referred to was Thomas Dunckerley, of whom
I will have something further to say hereafter in connection with
the resignation of the D.P.G.M.

The expectation of founding a Lodge at Ludlow was never
realized by Shirreff, as no Lodge was constituted there until the
year 1805.

17.

29th June, 1791.
* f * * "The P.G.M. has made me acquainted that His Patent
is made out for four more Counties, which he Names, and offers to
appoint me as His Deputy to Each on Condition of Vacateingit, in either
or all of the counties of Stafford, Flint, Denbigh, & Montgnmery,
in case he should think it expedient or Necessary to appoint a Depty.
Avho shall be Resident in the County for wch. he is D. P. G. Mr. — My
answer — " Well knowing that much ease as well as pleasure must
accrue to the P.G.M. provided his choice of an Assistant to act in the
above mentioned Counties turn'd out favourable was my only motive
for Tendering you my services 'Till such time as you can meet with
Deputy Provincial Gd. Masters to your Approbation, that will Discharge
their Duty as such, agreeable to the Book of Constitutions in each
County. I am willing to act as such, and shall always be happy to
have it in my power to render anything you undertake Propitious."
The Last Q.C. I reed, from you and sent off to the Diift. Lodges in
the County were dated Febry., 1791, so that those in Arrear will I hope
E're long with my Books Heave in sight." » * «

Egerton is stated in the Free Masons Calendar to have
been appointed P.G.M. for the County of Stafford in the year
1786. As I have now in my possession a letter from him dated

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIEE. 21

the 13th April, 1791, addressed to the Grand Secretary, in which
he states that he would " consider it as an honor and an obliga-
tion to be appointed Provincial Grand Master" for the four
counties mentioned in Shirreii's btter, it is clear that the Calen-
dar has ante-dated his appointment by at least five years.

18.

27 til Octr., 1791.
" My last to you bears date 22iul ultimo. Acknowledging the receipt of my
Books and the Q.G. and I then aequainted you that I had by Hie
P.G.M. desire forwarded a Circular Ler. to the Lichfield, Wolver-
hampton, and Denbigh Lodges, dated 12th Septr., but no answer as
yet come to either of them w'ch I am surpris'd at." * * *

This letter is interesting as showing the strength of the
Craft in two of the new Counties committed to the care of the
P.G.M. for Shropshire. None of these Lodges written to by
Shirreff have survived to the present time.

19.

22nd April, 1792.
"Yesterday I forwarded a Petition to the Revd. Mr. Egerton from one Bro.
Innys a member of the Salopian Lo. Setting forth his unhappy Situa-
tion w'ch was corroborated by the Mr. Wardns., & most of the inembeis
Craving relief from the Gd. Lo. previous to which he wrote mo for the
Necessary Mode of Application my answr. was through the P.G.II. for
the County & from him to the G. L., instead of which it seems as if
No. 525 did not wisli to have anything to do with the P.G.M. or his
Depty. , as they have address'd his Petition to His Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales, & I have given them to understand for want of the
Necessary Formalities, I should not be surpris'd if it was returned back
to be corrected, had they sent it in time as they might have done
Mr. Egerton was here present ; & then it would have been settled by
him. Our Last Regular Lodge being on the 5th Inst, and the Ensuing
St. John's day being the Triennial return for the Brethren to go in
procession to Church, the P.G.II. being present gave his Consent, & as
he will not be here on that day the whole will Lay upon me, and there
being at pre.sent no P. G. Lodge as yet appointed I beg for the
satisfaction of myself, as there are many opinions, k I wish to act
light, whether there being no P.G. L. it is not still in my power to
Summons the Jl asters and Officers of the Difft. Lo. in the County to
attend me as D. P.G.M. to Church on that day, & if I am not to nom-
inate whose is to Preach. * » * ijijg jjjgj thing I want to
know is the Order of Precedency in the Procession to & from Ch. ,*,,
Lately I had an acct. from the Denbigh Lodge by a friend of mine that
they had sent there arrears, so that when I receive them you shall hear
from me, as for the Wolverhampton Lodge I have never heard from
them yec in Answer to many Lers. I wrote to thein but this must be
settled by the P.G.M." • » *

22 PEEEMASONEY IN

The Petition of Bro. Innys was, notwithstanding the
want of the "Necessary Formalities,'' successful; his case is
fully treated of in the Salopian Lodge History. The procession
here referred to never took place, but it is curious to note how
much importance our brethren of long ago attached to the
successful carrying out of such ceremonies. This letter is
especially valuable for the reference it makes to the non-
existence of a Provincial Grand Lodge.

20.

22ud Septr., 1792.

" My best wishes to ray friend Bror. Heseltine, I am glad to find he is much
better, there is such good pickings, as also Tit-bits in the eating way,
& good Liquors to Moisten the Clay, in tlie Vicinity of Doctor's
Commons that I am not surpris'd at Esquire Gout Calling on him and
I should be fearful he would visit also my friend the G.S. was there
many Gd. Feast days in the Year. I know this gentleman well and
when any signs of his calling appears, I drink a Glass of Genuine Wine
which drives him from the Head, and Stomach into tlie feet, where ho
takes up his_'abode, and then iu a Little while he is off." * * *

This extract is hardly of Masonic interest, but the cure
for the Gout mentioned in it is probably unique, and is, like the
present of the Turkey, inserted to complete, as far as possible,
the picture of the D.P.G.M. as a man.

21.

1st June, 1793.

" I wrote j-ou on the lOtli of April last for a Warrant for the Friendly
Jirothcrs to Hold a Lodge at Newcastle, & on the 19th ultimo I
reminded you about it, & my now again doing it is in Consequence of
my receiveing a Ler. from them this morning, wishing me to attend for
to Constitute their Lodge on Wednesday 5th Instant, but not having
reod. their Warrant -this cannot be done, and have accordingly signified
the same to them, and I again beg you will be pleas'd to forward it to
me. In my letter of the 19th May I made you acquainted of my visit
to the Lodges in Staffordshire." * * «

This letter of the 19th May is not in my possession, so
that I cannot give any information, as I would wish to do, about
this visit to Staffordshire,

THE PEOVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 23

22.

nth June, 1793.

* * . * "As mattera have tnrn'J out -n-hich I am persuaded
■was owing to youi' kind inteiference it was judged Right in you not to
deliver my Ler. to ISior. D. and ffom what you relate I am satisfied,
it is never my intentions to wound the feelings of any Man Especially
one in Years, but when complaints aie piefer'd which Afl'eiits me, you
must join with me, that it is reasonable for me to vindicate myself in
such cases."

I imagine this letter refers to the old quarrel between

Shirreff and Dunckerley, but at best this can only be a matter of

conjecture.

23.

3rd Jan., 1795.

"I am much oblig'd to you for your very kind favour of the 28th Nov., and
am sorry to find by yonr Ler. that there is no remedying the Evil I
complain of & that any Power should be plac'd in the hands of any
One who cares not a farthing for Masonry, this I know for a fact, and
I now shall observe the Old Maxim vizt. — Meddle with Dirt & it will
stick to your fingers— as I have now done with him for ever. * * *
As Mr. E. gave it as his opinion that I had not in general given Satis-
faction to the Lodges under his Jurisdiction without specefying from
whence Originated any Complaint, for my own Justification I wrote
each. of them a Ler. dated 10th Novr. last, from No. Hi and No. 434
their answers have been very satisfactory, but very much so from our
own Lodge No. 388 : who dined together on St. John's day and I had
been Master for two years together, & was for giving up the Chair, but
they would not Listen to it, but re-elected me Mr. for this year, &
order'd my Ler. A their Sentiments on it, to be recorded in the Lodge
Books— the other Lodges have not as yet taken any notice of my Ler.
which surprises me. * * * Yon may depend upon it, so long as
the Present person acts. Masonry will dwindle, for he is despised by
lis all. * • * There was a Wart, wanted for a Lodge at Tam-
worth in Staffordshire and another at Holywell in Flintshire, what ho
has done abt. it I know not, & as for a Deputy he will find it a
dithcult matter to find one after his treatment of me." « * *

This letter indicates a serious quarrel between the P.G.M.
and his Deputy, and one which was never made up. Four or
five other subsequent letters of Shirreff carry the mat'ter no
further, and we have no definite knowledge of the cause of the
dispute. One thing is clear, that Shirreff took the action of the
P.Gr.M. in dismissing him from his office of Deputy with a very
bad grace, and, from the Chair of the Whitchurch Lodge, did his
best to prove his independence of the P.G.M. by communicating
directly with the Grand Lodge about matters which, whilst

24 TREEMASONRY IN

Deputy, he had always instructed the Lodges to communicate
through the Provincial Officials. If I might hazard a suggestion,
I would say that most probably this dispute arose from Shirreff's
continued practice of "Ancient" Customs in Lodges established
'under the "Modern" constitution. If I am correct in supposing
that the " Officious Brother " mentioned in his fifteenth letter
was Thomas Dunckerley, this theory attains a higher degree o£
probability. Dunckerley, commonly believed to have been an
illigitimate son of George II., was an ardent and enthusiastic
adherent of the " Moderns," and was undoubtedly possessed of
considerable influence in their Grand Lodge Councils, (i) He
was in 1790 P.G.M. for Hereford, as well as several other of the
Western Counties, and his presence in Shrewsbury in that year
was a not improbable event, as Provincial Grand Lodges, in
early times, were often attended by Lodges not within their
jurisdiction. His officiousness probably consisted of protests
against some of Shirreff's "Ancient" methods of working, and
these protests if carried to Grand Lodge as was threatened,
would in due course have led to Egerton's interference with his
Deputy. From Shirreff's 22nd letter, written in June, 1793, it
is evident that the occurences of 1790 had by no means been
forgiven or forgotten, and it is easily to be imagined that the
dispute continued until the following year, and so the quarrel
with Dunckerley led directly to the quarrel with Egerton. The
discontinuance of the appointment of Deacons as Officers of 262
from the year 1791, and the cessation of the practice of installing
the W.M. of the same Lodge from the year 1793 until the Union,
raises a strong presumption that Egerton was at this period inter-
fering with his Deputy, and converting his " Ancient " method
of working into conformity with the practices of the "Modern"
Grand Lodge. From the character of the man, and knowing
from his letters the poor opinion he held of Egerton's Masonic
knowledge, we can readily believe that Shirreff would have highly
resented any interference with his work, and any exhibition

(IJ The rank of Past Senior Grand Warden was granted to him in 1786, " in grateful
testimony of the high sense the Grand Lodge entertains of his zealous and
indefatigable exertions."

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 25

of such resentment would inevitably have resulted in his
dismissal from OiSce. His principles were too deeply rooted to
allow of his making any modifications in what he conceived to
be the right mode of conducting the business of the Craft, so
that the only alternative open to him was retirement. He
became a Subscribing Member of the Salopian Lodge in 1794,
and in December of the same year letters were read in that
Lodge from both Egerton and himself. These letters had
probably reference to the dispute between them, but no certainty
on the point is possible, and, so far as I know, this is the last
occasion on which Shirreff's name is mentioned in any record
of the Craft in the Province. We can only suppose that the
deposed Deputy went into voluntary exile, unwilling to be ruled
where once he had been practically supreme, and lived in solitude,
pouring forth gloomy prognostications for the future of Masonry.
If he was spared for a few years longer by his joint enemies the
rheumatism and " Esquire Gout," he must have seen the extinc-
tion of the Wrekin Lodge at Wellington in 1798, and of the two
Whitchurch Lodges almost immediately afterwards, and mourned
over the obliteration of these monuments of his Masonic career.
The very fact of their premature decay speaks eloquently of the
loss his absence had entailed upon them, and must have done
much to soothe his ruffled vanity, by confirming his opinion of
his own importance.

The two Whitchurch Lodges, 348 and 445, the Wynnstay
Lodge, 548, and the Lodge at Newcastle, in Stafford, 523, referred
to in Shirreff's letters, were all erased from the roll of Lodges for
refusing or neglecting to contribute to the Liquidation Fund
levied by Grand Lodge for the purpose of paying off the large
debt incurred in building and making alterations to the Free-
mason's Hall, in London. We may safely assume that if Shirreff
had still been a ruling spirit in these Lodges his knowledge of
the power of Grand Lodge, and of the results likely to follow
from gross disobedience to its orders, would have prevented such
refusal or neglect being persisted in.

FREEMASONRY IN

It may not be out of place if I here attempt briefly to
sketch the character of the maa who was, as I have said, mainly
responsible for the revival of Masonry in Shropshire. As his
letters give us nearly all the information we possess about that
interesting event, so also do they contain all our knowledge of
the man ; yet in them I believe he has unconsciously, and yet
unmistakeably, revealed to us his own personality. As I read
that revelation, he seems to have been earnest, painstaking, inde-
fatigable ; not devoid of a certain dry sense of humour ; inclined
rather to magnify his own ofiice, and fully self-conscious of his
own dignity and of the value of his own services. A certain
amount of intolerance for the opinions of others and of hastiness
of temper seems to have entered into his composition. Somewhat
of a Martinet too we guess him to have been, a consequence
probably of his early military training ; but in the main he must
be acknowledged to have been a true and good Mason, and his
name should be carefully and gratefully remembered by Shrop-
shire Lodges. He was not the man, having once put his hand to
the plough, to look back. Having laid the foundations of his
work securely, he spared no efibrt to ensure that the building to
arise thereon should be a worthy one. Four Lodges, as I have
been able to show, directly owed their constitution to his efforts, (i)
and though of these 262 has alone escaped the vicissitudes of
time, and prolonged its existence down to the present day, yet
he must nevertheless be credited with having widely diSiised the
principles of the Order through the County, and paved the way
for the success it attained about the middle of the present cen-
tury. That his immediate personal success was not greater, and
the results of his work more striking, I attribute solely to the
fact that his tenure of Office was short. His retirement from the
post of D.P.G.M. in 1795 caused the abandonment of much of
the good work he had begun to do, and had looked forward to
finishing. Had he retained Office for a few years longer I
believe he would have reaped the fruit of the seed he had sowed
so industriously, and rejoiced over the foundation of Lodges ia all

(1) 1 Wliitohurch No. 1.— (2; Salopian.— (3) Whitchurch No. 2 —(4) Wrekin.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 27

our chief Shropshire Towns. The impetus his efforts had given
to Masonic Work continued even after his retirement, and the
establishment of the Lodge of Industry in Bridgnorth in 1799,
and of the Mercian Lodge in Ludlow in 1805, may in many ways
be regarded as the result of his endeavour "to Spread the Light."

Turning from the Deputy to the P.G.M., we find that
Egerton is given in the Freemasons Calendar as having held
office from 1786 to 1819. He may be considered as the first
real Provincial Grand Master of Shropshire, and did really
attend for some years to the duties of his office, though not, in
my opinion, for quite so long a period as he is credited with in
the Calendar. He w£is, as we have seen, son of the then Bishop
of Durham, and also Provincial Grand Master of the Counties of
Stafford, Flint, Denbigh, and Montgomery. In the year 1786
he also applied for the post of P.G.M. of the County of Durham.
He seems to have regarded his application as certain of success,
as in his letter he suggests the method in which his Patent was
to be drawn up. In spite of his confidence, however, the post
was in the following year bestowed elsewhere. From this letter
we also learn that he was " Prebendary of the Fourth Stall in
the Cathedral of Durham, Domestic Chaplain to John by Divine
Providence Lord Bishop of Durham, and Rector of Whitchurch,
Shropshire, cum Marybury " ; he was also entitled to write the
letters M.A. and F.R.S. after his name. He attended Grand
Lodge more than once.

It is not a very easy question to decide whether or not
Egerton was ever at the head of a real Provincial Grand Lodge
of Shropshire. In the first place it may be noticed that though
Shirreff in his fifth letter speaks of the method of conducting
P.G. Lodges, and asks for information thereon from the Grand
Secretary, yet but one of his subsequent letters contains any
reference to the subject, and this expressly states that in the
year it was written (1793) there was no P.G. Lodge. Again, it
is evident from a study of the carefully kept Treasurer's accounts

28 FREEMASONRY IN

of the Salopian Lodge, that no fees were ever paid by that Lodge
to a Provincial Grand Lodge until late in the present century.
It is, however, unwise to judge past days by the light of present
customs, and the absence of the payment of any such fees is far
from being conclusive evidence of the non-existence of a P.G.
Lodge.

The only Officers of Provincial rank that I can trace
before the year" 1819 are (1)— the P.G.M. ; (2)— the D.P.G.M. ;
and (3)— Bro. John Collier P.G. Chaplain. The duties of P.G.
Secretary were evidently discharged by Major Shirreff when
D.P.G.M., but after 1795 both these posts filled by him remained
vacant. It is exceedingly improbable that other Provincial
Officers could have existed without their names and respective
ranks appearing in the Minute books of the Salopian Lodge. The
only occasions between 1788 and 1819 on which Provincial
Grand Lodges or anything of their nature were held, were at
Whitchurch on the Festival of St. John the Baptist in 1789, and
at Shrewsbury on the same Festival in the following year.
Apart from Shirreff's statement in 1793 that there was then no
P.G. Lodge in existence, it is quite evident from his letters, and
from the Minute books of the Salopian Lodge, that attendance
on these occasions was regarded as a celebration of a festival, and
as a mark of respect to the D.P.G.M., and not as a participation
in Provincial Grand Lodge proceedings. The advertisement of
the festival in 1790, contained in the Shrewsbury Chronicle for
August 20th in that year, also shows that the only business
intended to be done was to walk in procession to Church, hear a
sermon by the P.G. Chaplain, and then dine together. It seems
therefore perfectly certain that no Provincial Grand Lodge ever
existed under the presidency of Egerton, yet the fact remains
that the words " P.G. Lodge " occasionally occur in the minutes of
the Salopian Lodge, and some explanation of this difficulty seems
necessary. For instance, what is the meaning of a minute dated
the 1st Deer., 1795, which records the name of " John Hill,
Esqre., M.P., Provl. G. Lodge" as a Visitor 2 I believe that the

THE PEOVINCE OF SHEOPSHIRE. 29

difficulty can be solved by a comparison of the account given by
the Secretary of the Salopian Lodge of the Festival in 1790, with
the account of the same event contained in the Shrewsbury
Chronicle of the 3rd Septr. in that year.

The Lodge Secretary gives the names of the Lodges
represented on that occasion as (1) Whitchurch, (2) Salopian,
(3) Egerton, and (4) Wrekin — the Chronicle on the other hand
gives the following list (1) Provincial, (2) Egerton, (3) Salopian,
and (4) Wellington. In order to make these lists correspond, as
the Wrekin was the Wellington Lodge, the Whitchurch and
Provincial Lodges must be considered as identical. I believe
that in popular estimation they then were so. The P.G.M. and
his Deputy chiefly attended the Whitchurch Lodge No. 1, and
their presence caused this Lodge to be regarded as the centre of
Masonry in the Province. Such was clearly Shirreff's opinion
when in his first letter he speaks of the dependence of the
Egerton Lodge (Whitchurch No. 2) on his own Lodge (Whit-
church No. 1). It is no wonder then that it was sometimes
inaccurately called the P.G. Lodge, by those who spoke or wrote
ignorantly or unthinkingly. John Hill, M.P. was, we know.
Master of the Egerton Lodge in the year 1790, though not
registered in Grand Lodge as a member of that Lodge, but, as I
believe, he was the same person as John Hill stated in Shirreff's
12th letter to have been initiated by him in the Whitchurch
No. 1 Lodge, I conclude he was also a member of the senior Lodge,
and so the entry of his name in the manner under consideration is
explained. Similarly, "Bro. John Collier, Pro. G. Chaplain,"
was merely the Chaplain of the Whitchurch Lodge No. 1.

Though I have been forced to the conclusion that at this
period there was no Provincial Grand Lodge of Shropshire, yet
it is evident that there was at first a careful personal supervision
of the Lodges by the D.P.G.M, which continued until the dispute
in 1795 ; and the P.G.M., apart from Shirreff's letters, can be
shown, by the minutes of the Salopian Lodge, to have granted
Dispensations, remitted fees to Grand Lodge, and generally to

30 FREEMASONRY IN

have interested himself in the proper discharge of his duties.
But this unhappy quarrel entirely changed the aspect of affairs.
After the beginning of 1795 the Salopian Lodge began to consult
Grand Lodge directly, and Communications from Grand Lodge
previously sent through the D.P.G.M., were now sent straight to
the private Lodges. Egerton no longer seems to have taken much
interest in the Province, his absences from Shropshire referred to
in Shirreff's letters became more frequent, until at last they were
continuous. A dispensation for the initiation of Henry Bowdler
in the Salopian Lodge in 1798, and an application to Grand
Lodge in 1800 for relief for a poor member of the Egerton Lodge,
are the last pieces of Masonic work I can place to his credit.
From the former year I believe the Province was practically
without a head, the immediate consequence being, as already
noticed, the extinction of three out of the four existing Lodges.

Prom 1798 to 1817 Egerton's name does not appear in the
books of the Salopian Lodge. On Deer. 29th in the latter year
it is recorded that a proposal was made " that the Secretary
write to Grand Lodge, and request that a Provincial Grand
Master be appointed instead of the Revd. P. H. Egerton, who
has been absent many years."

It is, perhaps, worth noting, that the ceremony of laying
the first stone of the Column, erected in honour of Lord HiU, in
1814, was carried out entirely by the Salopian Lodge, and it is
most improbable that this, the greatest Masonic ceremony ever
performed in this County, would have been left in the hands of
a private Lodge, if a Provincial Grand Lodge had been in working
order, or if a P.G.M. had been anywhere available.

A further proof, though I think one is hardly needed, of
the absence of all Provincial authority at this period, will be
found in the fact that, in the year 1817, the Minute books of the
Salopian Lodge of Charity, now 117, were evidently sent direct
to Grand Lodge for inspection, as notes appear at the bottom of
many pages signed "Edward Harper, Grand Secretary," giving

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIEE. 31

directions for the future avoidance of irregularities there detected.
I, therefore, conclude that for the last 20 years of his tenure of
office as indicated by the Calendar, Egerton was a nominal and
not an active P.G. Master. The extent of his work is sufficiently
indicated by what has been already said ; of his personality we
know nothing, as his letters are for the most part colourless and
devoid of character.

Before I notice the appointment of the next Provincial
Grand Master, it may be well to review the strength of the Craft
in the Province between the years 1795 and 1815, especially as
neither Egerton nor his Deputy seem to have had any direct
influence on its retrogression and subsequent progression during
that period. In 1795 there were four Lodges in Shropshire.
These were (1) Salopian, (2) "Whitchurch, No. 1, (3) Egerton,
Whitchurch, No. 2, (4) Wrekin, WeUington. In the year 1798
the last named Lodge became extinct, but in the following year
the Lodge of Industry, Bridgnorth, was founded. In 1801, as
we have already seen, the two Whitchurch Lodges were erased,
and only two Lodges remained in the whole County. To these,
in the year 1805, the Mercian Lodge, Ludlow, was added, and,
in 1815, the number was further increased to four when the
Salopian Lodge of Charity, 117, after its many wanderings as a
Military Lodge, settled down in Shrewsbury. I do not now pro-
pose to break the continuity of my narrative by stating what is
known about any of these Lodges. It will suffice if I here indi-
cate where that information will be found. The history of the
two Shrewsbury Lodges will be found in the pages allotted there-
to respectively in a subsequent part of this work, that of the
Lodge of Industry, Bridgnorth, and of the Agenorian Chapter
that worked with it, is noticed in connection with the present
Bridgnorth Lodge, The Castle, 1621 ; that of the Mercian Lodge
in connection with the Lodge of the Marches, Ludlow, 611. Of
the two Whitchurch Lodges I know nothing further than is
stated in the previous pages, (i)

(1) The names of their respective members, as refjistered in Grand Lodge, will be found
with the history of the Lodge of St. Alkmund, 2311, hereafter given.

32 FREEMASONRY IN

The four Lodges whicli were active in the year 1815 con-
tinued working until after the death of the Provincial Grand
Master next appointed. This was the Hon. Henry Grey Bennett,
who probably owed his appointment, which, according to the
Calendar, dates from 1819, to the fact that he was M.P. for
Shrewsbury. He represented the Borough in 1806, lost his seat
in 1807, and was again elected in 1811, 1812, 1819, and 1820.
He did not contest the seat in the year 1826, and as his tenure
of Office as P.G.M. seems to have ceased in that year, I conclude
that he died about this period. The Minute book of the Salopian
Lodge for the year 1824 clearly shows that he was not installed
in Office before 1825, and I believe this ceremony was in fact
never performed. The only occasions upon which, so far as I
know, he performed any of the duties of his high station were in
1820, when he presented an address to King George IV. from the
Salopian Lodge, and in the same year when he granted a dispen-
sation for the initiation of Sir A. V. Corbet, Bart., in the same
Lodge. No formal mention is made of a Provincial Grand Lodge,
or of Provincial Grand Officers, during his term of Office. There
is, however, a letter, in other respects valueless, preserved by
chance amongst the debris of papers accumulated by successive
Secretaries of 262, which is worthy of notice. It is dated Decem-
ber 11th, 1842, and was written by Bro. Sir A. V. Corbet to Bro.
S. Wood. After accepting an invitation, the writer signs himself
as " A. V. Corbet, D.P.G.M." Por whom he was Deputy, or
when he was appointed to that Office, I cannot say, but as there
was no P.G.M. from the year 1826 to 1852, it seems evident that
he must have been appointed by Bennett before 1826, and still
continued to use the title when it had lost all meaning by the
death or resignation of the P.G.M. in that year.

After 1826 the Province remained for a quarter of a cen-
tury without even a nominal head. This, in my opinion, was due
entirely to the remissness of the Grand Lodge Officials, as the
Lodges in the Province seem to have been quite alive to the dis-
advantages entaUed upon them by the non-appointment of a P.G.M.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 33

In October, 1827, the Salopian Lodge determined to present a
petition on the subject to Grand Lodge, and though no trace of
it can be found in Freemason's Hall, it was, nevertheless, I
believe, forwarded in due course.!') In the following year the
same Lodge again considered the subject, and caused letters to
be written to the other Lodges in the County asking for their
co-operation in an attempt to get the vacant post filled up. The
co-operation of the Mercian Lodge could not have been obtained,
as it became extinct in this very year, having displayed no vitality
for a considerable period. Whether the other Lodges in the Prov-
ince acted in the matter or not, it is clear that the attempt met with
no success, and as about this period the Salopian Lodge reached the
least flourishing part of its existence, we find no further mention
of the subject until 1840. In September of that year the Anchor
of Hope Lodge, Woore, No. 644, founded in 1836, with the
enthusiasm commonly found in young Lodges, started an agita-
tion with the same object in view, but without result. In May,
1843, a deputation was sent by the Salopian Lodge to Bro. Sir
Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., soliciting him to accept the office
which had been so long vacant. At first he seems to have been
disposed to accept the invitation of his Mother Lodge, but ulti-
mately changed his mind, and, even after he had been actually
appointed by the G.M., returned his patent and declined to act.
On the 1 1th of November a letter to the Salopian Lodge was
written by him giving amongst other reasons for his change of
intention his inability to undertake the expenses attending the
office. It will thus be readily acknowledged that his name
should not be included, as it is, in the list of the P.G. Masters
of Shropshire contained in the Freemasons' Calendar.

No further notice of the subject is taken by the Secretary
of 262 until the 13th December, 1847, upon which date we find
the following minute: — "Proposed by Bro. Onions that the W.M.
of the Lodge do communicate with the other two Lodges in this
County to request their co-operation in applying to Grand Lodge
to have a Provincial Grand Lodge established for this County,
which was seconded by Bro. John Carline, and the same to be

(1) Bro. Sadler, who very kindly made the requisite searches for me, suggests that the
petition was probably forwarded from Grand Lodge to the Grand Master, and was
never returned by him, B

34 FREEMASONRY IN

placed under the care of the Grand Registrar of England, (i)
which was carried unanimously." This effort was also doomed to
failure like many that pre.ceeded it. The entry is, however,
interesting from the reference to " the other two Lodges in the
County," clearly implying that Shropshire then contained but
three Lodges in all. One of "the other two Lodges " was clearly
the Salopian of Charity, 117, but the second is not so easily iden-
tified. Three other Lodges in the County had in this year a
nominal existence, viz., The Lodge of Industry, Bridgnorth ; the
Anchor and Hope Lodge, Woore ; and the Roden Lodge, Wem,
which latter Lodge had been founded in the previous year. Of
these the two former were not formally erased from the list untU
1853, but as no names of members were registered in Grand
Lodge after 1840, I conclude that in 1847 they were practically
extinct. Grand Lodge does not contain any record of the work
of the Roden Lodge, if any in fact took place, and the only pay-
ment ever made on its behalf was for founders fees ; still as it
started in 1846, and for some little time sent visitors to 262, it
may be assumed that this was the other Lodge referred to in the
above minute.

Another interval of more than three years elapsed before
we find the Lodges again stirring in the matter. On the 10th
Febry., 1851, a written communication was ordered to be sent to
Sir Watkin Williams Wynn for the purpose of ascertaining
whether he would accept the oflB.ce of P.G.M. for this County.
On the 8th Deer., Sir Watkin gave an intimation through Bro.
Dymock that he would gladly do so. The appointment was
accordingly made in due course by the Grand Master the Earl of
Zetland, who however thought it right to join North Wales and
Shropshire into one Province. Erom what has been already said
it will I think be clear that there were only two real Lodges at
this time in Shropshire (262 and 117), and as North Wales only
possessed a like number, (2) the duties of the post were not at
first more than could be reasonably managed in one Province.

(1) Alexander Dobie (1816—1857.)

(2) St. David's, Bangor, then 640, now 3S1 ; founded 1827.

St. Cybi, Holyhead, then Hibernia 869, now 597, founded 1831.

THE PROVINCE OF SHBOPSHIEE. 35

With the advent of the year 1852 closes one of the
darkest decades in the history of Shropshire Masonry. The two
Shrewsbury Lodges alone continued to work throughout the
period, and nothing but the illegality of the attempt prevented
the existence of the Salopian Lodge of Charity being merged in
that of the Salopian Lodge. The two Lodges had actually
amalgamated under the "Warrant of the latter Lodge in 1851, but
were obliged by the regulations of the order to separate again, or
return the Warrant of 117 to Grand Lodge. The separation was
accordingly promptly effected, and the lapse of time has shown
the wisdom of that course. Shrewsbury affords an ample field
for the operations of both Lodges'. But one sign of vitality
appears during the period of which I am writing, namely the
foundation, in the year 1843, of the Salopian Chapter, 262, but
of this subject I will take no further notice now, a separate page
being hereafter devoted to its consideration, (i)

The installation of Sir Watkin took place on the 9th of
March, 1852, in the Lodge room at the Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury.
The event had for some time been looked forward to with great
delight and interest by the Craft generally in the Province, and
the ceremony was numerously attended. The Installing Master
was Bro. The Right HonWe. Lord Combermere, the Hero of
Bhurtpore, and R.W.P.G.M. for Chester, who was specially
deputed by the Grand Master to perform the Ceremony.

After the Installation, addresses from both the Shropshire
and Welsh Lodges were presented to the R.W.P.G.M. That
presented by the former begins : — •

Right Worshipful Sir and Brother,

"We the Brethren of the Salopian Lodges Nos. 135
(nosv 117), 328 (now 262), 398 (Bridgnorth), 644 (Woore), and
765 (Wem), offer our sincere congratulations on your elevation
to the distinguished position you now occupy, &c., &c."

(1) See under title " The Salopian Chapter," and o£ Salopian Lodge History for
the year 1843.

36 FREEMASONRY IN

A study of the signatures appended to this address shows
that not a single member of the Bridgnorth or Woore Lodges
signed his name ; and only two belonging to the Wem Lodge
did so. This bears out my assumption that these lodges had then
ceased working. One of the two signatures from Wem is that of
John Bishton Minor, P.M., 765 ; in the Minute book of 262, on
the 23rd Deer., 1846, we find that Charles Fred Barker, a visitor,
was described as W.M. of the Roden Lodge 765 ; it therefore
seems that the Lodge must have prolonged an active existence
for some little time, as it had at all events two Masters.

Returning to the subject of this address, it may be
noticed that many signatures thereto are followed by the number
875, being that of the St. John's Lodge, Wellington, a Lodge
not then in existence. This was rendered possible as the
engrossment of the address was not ready for presentation on the
Installation day, and was not in fact delivered until after the
Consecration of this Lodge, which will be shortly noticed.

The first D.P.G.M. of the new Province, was Bro. the
the Revd. E. H. Dymock ; the first P.G. Secretary Bro. Cheis.
Wigan, of Ruabon ; and the first P.G. Treasurer, Bro. J. P.
White. The last named brother continued to hold the same
office until the separation of the Province in 1885, and was with
the exception of Bro. H. T. Wace, then appointed P.G.S. of W.,
and Bro. J. W. Towers, then appointed P.G. P., the only one of
the 16 Provincial Grand Officers appointed in 1852 who lived to
see that event. Bro. Wace is now the sole survivor. Of these 15
officers, 10 were members of the Salopian Lodge.

On the 17th May, 1852, the Provincial Grand Officers
journeyed to Admaston to consecrate the St. John's Lodge, but
as the Warrant did not arrive in time, the Ceremony had to be
postponed until June 16th, upon which day it was duly performed.
Bro. J. W. Towers is stated in the Provincial Minute book to
have been the Master installed upon this occasion. Bro. Towers
lived until the present year (1891), and died deeply regretted by

THE PEOVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 37

all who knew him. The brethren .signalised the first visit of the
R.W.P.G.M. to their Lodge by meeting him at the Station and
conducting him in procession to the Lodge Room. It is evident
from the Minute books of 262 that the officers of the St. John's
Lodge had prepared themselves for office by constantly attending
the meetings of the former Lodge, of which they were nearly all
members. The number was changed from 875 to 601 in 1863.

The next Lodge placed on the roll of the Province was
the Lodge of the Marches, Ludlow, 887, which became 611 in
1863. The date of this ceremony was the 13th July, 1853. The
Consecrating Officer was the "W.P. Grand Chaplain, Bro. Guise,
and the Master installed was Bro. Bach.

On the 26th October in the same year a proposal was
made, in a P.G. Lodge held at Shrewsbury, by Bro. H. T. Wace,
that a subscription should be raised for erecting Almshouses for
decayed Masons or their widows ; it was, however, ultimately
allowed to drop. On the same day Bro. Sir. A. V. Corbet, Bart.,
was appointed P.G.S.W., but he only held office for one year;
the rest of the Provincial Grand Officers then appointed remained
in office for two years, <i' a custom always maintained until recent
times.

On August 8th, 1854, the Segontium Lodge, Carnarvon,
881 (now 606) was consecrated, and in the following year, the
Charter for the Eyton Chapter, working in connection with the
Lodge of St. John, Wellington, was granted.

On May 23rd, 1857, a return was asked for by Grand
Lodge of the number of P.G. Lodges held in each Province
during the past ten years, specifying those in which the P.G.M.
presided in person. The answer of the P.G. Sec?- for Shropshire
is worth recording — "That the R.W.P.G.M. was installed on the
9th of March, 1852, since which he had held five P.G. Lodges,
and that he had presided in each and every of them, viz. : —
(1) Certain exceptions occur through deaths from time to time.

38 PEEEJUSONEY IN

6th September, 1852, at Bangor.
26th October, 1853, at Shrewsbury.
8th August, 1854, at Carnarvon.
28th August, 1855, at Admaston.
• 6th August, 1856, at Holyhead."

This return did not contain the three P.G. Lodges held for the
purpose of consecrating Craft Lodges, at all of which the
R.W.P.G.M. was present.

In 1857 the Lodge of St. John was removed from
Admaston to WelHngton.

The P.G. Lodge minute book contains no record of the
Consecration of the Lodge of St. Tudno, Llandudno, 755, which
seems to have taken place on July 23rd, 1858.

The R. W. the Grand Secretary of England, Brother
Wm- Henry White, on JanT- 14th, 1861, presented to the Pro-
vincial Grand Lodge of North Wales and Shropshire, a
magnificent sword. This gift was most gratefully accepted, and
a special minute of acknowledgment was made by order of the
R.W.P.G.M. Bro. J. P. White, the Pro. G. Treas. was nephew
to Bro. W°i- Sj- White, and presented the sword in the name of
his Uncle. The sword has two plates upon with engraved
inscriptions. The larger of these records the gift to the Province
as above mentioned, the other, which is very much worn, reads

thus : —

Royal Arch

Constitutional

Sols

The Constitutional Sols were a secret convivial Society,
in no respect Masonic, established about the year 1780.

On Jan. 13th, 1862, a special meeting of the P.G. Lodge
was held in Shrewsbury for the purpose of proposing an Address
of Condolence with Her Majesty the Queen on the occasion of
the lamented death of H.R.H. The Prince Consort. This

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 39

meeting was numerously attended, and a loyal and affectionate
address was prepared, and subsequently presented.

On Feb. 25th, 1864, Sir Watkin held a P.G. Lodge at
"Wynnstay to commemorate the rebuilding of his mansion. On
this occasion invitations were issued to every subscribing member
of the Lodges in the Province, and a large party assembled, and
were entertained in a princely manner. 'i)

The Welshpool Lodge, The Royal Oak, 998, was consecrated
on March 31st of the same year, Bro. Goldsboro being the first W.M.

In the following year the P.G. Lodge, under the direction
of the R.W.P.G.M., assisted at the ceremony of laying the corner
stone of Ti'inity Church, Llandudno.

In the year 1866 three Lodges were consecrated, viz. : —
The Anglesea Lodge, Llangefni, 1113; The Lodge of St. Oswald,
Oswestry, 1124; and the Lodge of St. Milburga, Ironbridge,
1120. In the same year the Segontium Lodge, Carnarvon, was
ordered to be erased by the Board of General Purposes, for not
forwarding its returns since 1863. This Lodge is still on the
roll, although no notice is taken in the P.G. Lodge proceedings
of pardon for its offence being granted.

On the 24th of October, 1867, The Royal Denbigh Lodge,
Denbigh, 1143, was consecrated, and on the following day the
Freemasons' Hall, at Llandudno, was formerly opened by the
R.W.P.G.M. attended by his Officers.

The Provincial Grand Lodge held at Wellington, on the
24th of April, 1868, was the first not presided over in person by
Sir Watkin since he assumed office in 1852. He was then in
attendance upon H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, at Carnarvon
Castle, and so could not attend to his Masonic duties. At this
Lodge Provincial Grand Lodge jewels were voted to Bro. J. P.
White, P.G., Treas'-- and Bro. Charles Wigan, P.G., Sec'y. for
their long and valuable services.

(1) See History of The Salopian Lodge for 1864,

FREEMASONRY IN

On Nov. 1st, 1869, the R.W.P.G.M. laid the Foundation
Stone of the Oswestry Cottage Hospital, under the banner of the
Lodge of St. Oswald, 1124, under the history of which Lodge
further particulars of this interesting event are given.

The Square and Compass Lodge, Wrexham, 1336, was
duly consecrated on the 14th of March, 1871 ; the P.G. Officers
on this occasion were ably assisted by Bro. Willoughby, of
Birkenhead. A very large number of Brethren from the neigh-
bouring Provinces attended the Ceremony, during which Bro.
John Lewis was installed Master of the Lodge. He set to work
in real earnest, as on the 30 th of May a dispensation for
initiating nine candidates in one evening had to be procured.

The first meeting of the Bala Lodge, 1369, was held under
dispensation early in January, 1872 ; a further dispensation was
granted on the 6th of Feb'T-- to enable the W.M. to initiate 12
candidates in one evening ; and on the 3rd of May the Lodge
was properly consecrated.

Hitherto it had been usual to hold aU Provincial Grand
Lodges in Craft Lodges, which were duly opened by their own
officers before the arrival of the R.W.P.G.M. and his officers.
About this time, however, I believe. Sir Watkin, acting on the
principle that the less cannot contain the greater, began to hold
his Provincial Grand Lodge quite separate and distinct from
Craft Lodges, in the manner to which we are now accustomed.

The handsome donation of 50 guineas was in 1873 voted
by the P.G. Lodge to each of the three great Masonic Charities.
In June of the same year, at a Provincial Grand Lodge of
Emergency, The Fitzalan Lodge, Oswestry, 1432, was consecrated.
Bro. W. J. Wallace, the W.M. elect, was duly installed by Bro.
T. W. J. Goldsboro, P.P.G.S.W. In this year also Bro. W. H.
SpauU, P.A.G.D. of C. was appointed P.G.S., and has continued
ever since to discharge the onerous duties of that office in the
most able and energetic manner. It is to his kindness and
courtesy that I owe my ability to present these extracts from the
Provincial Grand Lodge Books since the year 1852.

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIRE. 41

Shortly afterwards, Bro. Dymock, who had been D.P.G.M,
for over 20 years, resigned that ofl&ce on account of ill-health,
and in the following year Bro. J. R. Ormsby Gore (afterwards
Lord Harlech) P.M. 1124, was appointed to the post thus left
vacant.

The next Lodge placed on the roll of the Province was the
Sir Watkin, Mold, 1477. Its foundation had been under dis-
cussion for many years, and was at last happily consummated on
the 26th Feb''?-- 1874. Bro. Goldsboro again acted as Consecra-
ting Officer, and Bro. Piatt, P.P.G.S.W. Cheshire, installed
Bro. Salmon, P.M., 425, the W.M. elect.

The St. Eleth Lodge, Amlwch, 1488, and the Madoc Lodge,
Portmadoc, 1509, were also consecrated in this year; Bro. Golds-
boro in each case performing the Ceremony. In this year, too, the
by-laws of the Province were revised, and the Charitable
Association founded.

Four lodges were added to the strength of the Province in
1876 ; these were the Llanidloes Lodge, 1582 ; the Cedewain
Lodge, Newtown, 1594 ; the Castle Lodge, Bridgnorth, 1621 ;
and the Clive Lodge, Market Drayton, 1575. The R.W.P.G.M.
was present at the consecration of each of these Lodges ; the
Ceremony in each case being performed by Bro. Goldsboro. It
may be noticed that though the Clive Lodge had obtained its
Warrant before any of the other three, its consecration was last
in point of date. In this year the D.P.G.M. Lord Harlech died,
and Bro. W. Bulkeley Hughes, M.P., was appointed in his stead.

On the 3rd August, 1877, The Caradoc Lodge, Rhyl,
1674, was consecrated by Bro. W. H. Spaull, P.G.S. ; Bro.
Goldsboro, the officer generally performing that ceremony, having
died in January. On the 12th Sep*""- following, the P.G. Lodge
voted £50 to the Indian Famine Relief Fund, and on the same
day the Corbet Lodge, Towyn, 1583, was consecrated by
Bro. Spaull. r

FREEMASONRY IN

In this year (1877) Sir Watkin completed a period of 25
years rule over the Province, and to commemorate this event he
was presented with an address bound in an illuminated album.
A presentation for this Province to the Royal Masonic Institu-
tion for Boys, at Wood Green, was also arranged to be purchased
by subscription, and called the " Sir Watkin Presentation." The
subscription reached the handsome sum of £589 lis. 9d. At the
same time, the sum of 100 guineas was paid out of the P.G.
Lodge funds to make the P.G.M. a Vice Patron in perpetuity of
the same Institution ; £50 was also voted to the Girls School,
and a similar sum to the Goldsboro Memorial.

The "Sir Watkin Presentation," purchased for 500 guineas,
gave the R.W.P.G.M. for North Wales and Shropshire the right
from time to time, during the lifetime of H.R.H. the Princess
Beatrice, to nominate one boy to the Institution, whenever a
vacancy should occur, and in order to perpetuate this right, a
policy on the life of H.R.H. for £525 was taken out, the
premiums on which are still paid by the Province of North Wales,
as will be seen hereafter.

In 1880 the Province voted 30 guineas towards the
purchase of a Bishop's Throne for the newly restored Cathedral
in Bangor, in which town the Royal Leek Lodge, 1849, was con-
secrated shortly afterwards. This year, too, saw the commence-
ment of the present custom of an annual instead of a biennial
appointment of Provincial Grand Officers.

The Audley Lodge, Newport, 1876, was consecrated by
the R.W.P.G.M. assisted by Bro. W. H. Spaull, on 20th May,
1881. In 1882, the D.P.G.M., Bro. Bulkeley Hughes, died, and
our present R.W.P.G.M., Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart., was
appointed in his stead to the vacant office ; the Province also by
a second donation of 50 guineas completed the Vice Patronage
of the Girls' School ; and the Masonic Hall at Bangor was dedi-
cated. The Mawddach Lodge, Barmouth, 1988, was consecrated
by the D.P.G.M. on the 6th March, 1883; Sir Watkin was

THE PROVINCE OF SHliOPSIIIUE. 43

unable through serious illness to be present, but was sufficiently
recovered to atted the P.G. Lodge held at Ludlow in June. The
Barmouth Lodge was the last established in the old joint Province.

On August the 23rd, 1883, the W.D.P.G.M., Sir Offley
Wakeman, Bart., attended by the P.G. Officers, went to Wynnstay
and presented a Turquoise and Diamond Jewel from the Masons of
the Province to Miss L. A. Williams Wynn, on the occasion of
her marriage with Mr. Herbert Lloyd Watkin "Williams Wynn,
and, in the January following, Sir Offley Wakeman was himself
presented with a handsome clock on the occasion of his own
marriage.

On the 9th of March, 1885, Sir Watkin died, an event
deeply regretted by all who had the pleasure of knowing him
personally, or the honour of working under him Masonically.
His death is too recent to render any attemjft at eulogising his
work necessary ; his merits are known to and appreciated by a far
wider circle than I expect to reach in writing this sketch. Yet
this much I must say, that to him mainly is due the wonderful
progress made by the Craft in the Province during the past forty
years. His high social station, his uniform kindness, his genial
disposition, and especially his unwearying industry, influenced all
around him to respect and honour the Brotherhood of which he
was so bright an ornament, and stimulated his Brethren in the
Craft to renewed activity in upholding the true principles of
their profession, and in extending the sphere of its operations.
He was descended from a Masonic family ; his grandfather was
Grand Warden in the years 1770 and 1771, and acted as
President of the Board of Grand Stewards in the former year.
He was initiated in the Province of Cheshire, and was W.M. of
the Cestrian Lodge, 425, in the year 1851. This Lodge then
counted amongst its active members many distinguished men,
including — Lord Combermere, Lord Chief Justice Jervis, and
Mr. Welsby, Recorder of Chester. He joined the Salopian
Lodge, 262, in the year 1852, and was exalted on April ith,

41 FREEMASONRY IN

1853, in the Chapter connected with what was then the Lodge
of Fidelity of Birkenhead, 701. In 1859 he was appointed
Provincial Grand Superintendent of the joint Province. In all
respects he worthily upheld the Masonic traditions of his family,
and leaves behind him a nephew, his successor in his title and
estates, who has always evinced considerable interest in Masonic
work, and now holds the rank of P.P.G.W. Twenty-four Lodges
in all came into existence in the joint Province during his reign,
eight of these being in Shropshire, and he was, with two excep-
tions, present at the Consecration of all these Lodges. On the
tomb of Sir Christopher Wren, ia St. Paul's Cathedral, this
inscription is placed — " Si queris monumentum, Circumspice " —
so to my Brother Masons I say that in the prosperity they now
enjoy, they may trace the work of him that is gone, and find the
best and most enduring monument to his memory. The great
extension of the Craft required that on his death the Provinces
of North Wales and Shropshire should be again separated. This
was accordingly done, and his name will stand alone to all time
as the sole P.G.M. of the joint Province. It is fitting that it
should be so, and that his name alone should be associated with
the work he himself performed.

Our present R. W.P.G.M., Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart., was
instaUed on Oct. 22nd., 1885, by Bro. Colonel Shadwell Gierke,
G.S., in the Lodge Room, at the Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, in the
presence of a large gathering of distinguished Masons. On the
following day Lord Harlech was installed R.W.P.G.M. of the
Province of North Wales.

Bro. Sir Ofiley Wakeman was initiated in the Churchill
Lodge, 478, in the year 1871, was appointed Provincial Grand
Secretary of Oxfordshire in 1872, and, in 1878, was elected to fill
both the chair of W.M. in his Lodge, and that of S.W. in his
Provincial Grand Lodge. In 1882, as already noticed, he became
D.P.G.M. of North Wales and Shropshire.

THE PROVINCE or SHROPSHIEE. 45

Considerable difficulty was experienced in making an
equitable division of the assets of the joint Province. Eventually
the matter was suitably arranged by a Committee appointed for
the purpose. The right of nominating a boy under the pro-
visions of the "Sir Watkin Presentation Fund" was to be
exercised alternately by the new Provinces during the life of the
Princess Beatrice, and to prevent the perpetuation of such
alternate nomination, another policy on the life of H.R.H. was
taken out for an amount equal to that of the existing policy.
One of these policies will ultimately secure to each Province the
benefit of a right of nomination of one boy in perpetuity. The
Patronage of the Institutions for Boys and Girls was divided as
evenly as possible, regard being had to the number of Lodges in
each Province. The presentation sword given as before men-
tioned by Bro. W. H. White, was allotted to Shropshire ; the
banners of the joint Province and a smaller sword in its
possession, to North Wales. A gold snuif box,(i) formerly
presented to Bro. W. H. White by the Duke of Sussex, when
G.M., and which was then the property of the joint Province,
was given to Bro. J. P. White in recognition of his long service
as P.G. Treasurer. The balance of the funds then in hand after
discharging all liabOities, was presented to the P.G. Secretary, as
a token of esteem from the brethren for the energy displayed by
him in promoting the well-being of Masonry in the Province
during his 13 years of office.

After the Installation of the R.W.P.G.M., Sir Offley
Wakeman, he was presented by the D.P.G.M., on behalf of the
Lodges, with a handsome Album containing the following address,
with the names of all members of the Lodges appended.

"To Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart., Right Worshipful
Provincial Grand Master of the Antient Free and Accepted
Masons of Shropshire."

(1) For the ultimate fate of this snufl box, see History of the Salopian Lodge for
the year 1880.

FREEMASONRY IN

" It having pleased the Most Worshipful Grand Master
to divide the old Province of North Wales and Shropshire, We,
the members of the Lodges in the new Province of Shropshire,
beg to express our gratification that the choice of His Royal
Highness should have fallen upon you as our Provincial Grand
Master, and we offer you our sincere &,nd fraternal congratulations
on the auspicious event of to-day, feeling sure that it is but the
precursor of the increase and good of Freemasonry in your
province. The zeal you have displayed in pursuing the objects
of our organization from the period of your initiation into the
privileges and mysteries of the Craft, we cannot but remember
with satisfaction ; and we are deeply imbued with the conviction
that the interests of our truly noble Order will be materially
advanced under your guidance, while those who are unconnected
with us by the ties of brotherhood, will be satisfied from the
position you hold in your native county, that there is nothing in
our principles inconsistent with true patriotism, active charity>
pure religion, permanent order, and every social and domestic virtue.

We pray that the Great Architect of the Universe may
spare you to govern us for many years, and that the Lodges
under your rule may flourish and increase."

Subsequent events have fully justified the language of this
address, and the prayer with which it closes, may be repeated
now with equal sincerity.

Shortly after the Province was estabhshed, we find the
Brethren attempting to get a Masonic Hall built in Shrewsbury,
but their efforts only succeeded in adding another to the long
list of Committees which have from time to time been appointed,
only to fail, for that object.

Bro. R. A. Craig, P.M., 262, who was the first to hold the
office of Standard Bearer in the new Province, presented to the
Provincial Grand Lodge on his retirement from office, a handsome
Silk Banner, bearing the Arms of the Province. His kindness
was suitably acknowledged by the Lodge.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 47

On January 11th, 1886, The R.W.P.G.M., assisted by
Bro. W. H. Spaull, P.G., Sectr- and Bro. Warren Thompson,
consecrated the Brownlow Lodge, Ellfesmere, 2131, upon which
occasion Bro. E. M. Prevost was installed as W.M.

In the following year the Provincial Grand Lodge entered
on its minutes an expression of devoted loyalty to Her Majesty
the Queen on the occasion of her reaching the Jubilee year of her
reign. In May of the same year the R.W.P.G.M. presided as
Chairman at the Festival of the Royal Masonic Institution for
Girls. On this occasion the Province contributed the sum of
£1054 18s. Od. to the "A" Fund.

In March, 1888, Bro. J. P. White was compelled by
failing health to resign the office of P.G. Treasurer, which he had
held continuously for 36 years. In the History of his Mother
Lodge, 262, at a subsequent page, further reference is made to
the great services rendered by Bro. White to the Craft.

In the same year it was found that the debt incurred on
the separation of the old joint Province was too large to be
liquidated by the surplus income of the new Province, unless
payment were spread over a great number of years. The Lodges
were, therefore, invited to contribute, pro rata according to the
number of their subscribing members, to discharge this liability.
The sum thus raised placed the finances of the Province once
more upon a satisfactory footing.

At a P.G. Lodge held at Ironbridge, on Sep. 18th, 1888,
Bro. W. H. Spaull was presented a full dress suit of Grand Lodge
clothing, a case containing an undress suit of the same clothing,
and a receipt for the fee of honour payable on his appointment
to the office of Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies, as a
mark of the esteem of the Brethren of the Province for the way
in which he had conducted the business of the Province.

On June 6th, 1889, the Lodge of St. Alkmund, Whit-
church, 2311, was consecrated by the R.W.P.G.M., assisted by

48 FRKEMASONRY IN

the P.G. Secretary. Since that date no addition to the roll of
Lodges has been made ; but Shropshire, with its twelve Lodges,
continues slowly and yet surely to grow in Masonic strength, and
to do its share in the beneficent work of Charity — the distinguish-
ing characteristic of the tenets of the Craft.

In conclusion, I can only express the earnest wish that
the present prosperity and harmony may long continue, and that
if any spirit of rivalry be present in our midst, it may only be in
the eifort to further the principles of Masonry, and to cultivate
that true fraternal union which gives real strength to all
Masonic endeavour.

y|v

THE PROVINCE OF SHKOPSHIEE.

S I

!-■ P I

Qon,0
b3 Cr CT*

O fo rt-

* Pj P

r°l

.5 ^ tr*

m 9

B 2,!°
— © a.

2* D-

i^ SP-
SS o s-

B-E3-3
a> CO

P 3 _
to o cr
c — B

p Cp o

g -fl'S'

^° !^
~ B O

m 3

'^ j; a-

£ o Cfq

O ^ i-i.

p ?;•»

B •^

3 3

»-J 1-1 1-1

t0i-.OC000'<I01tnt|i.05b0l-'

OOOOCOCOOOCOQOOOOOOOOO-^ .

SS-

QoooQo-^l'M-'-JasaiOiCn— 'CO

X; ®

eoui— Gsuxwoaoicotoooo

c1- -^

t>^

!^0

(aioi-.i_4i_it-.i_ii_.

C -!

03»-'00OSU>**.'--'^00(»l-iOl

@d5'

h-i(M«Ot>D^COKJN)00^1Uih3

— '^Oii— U^t0rf*.O*4UX0iUl

CO tt !> oOtiJcoooMCoaiCQ

rg B » KS--f^r-o r-E,e-

an
an of

hn's
of th
Iburg,
iwald

ilow
kmun

a. r "> . o

«.-: :::::: g; g-.

S9 -S

►^ )-i.

S- -5,

?S259?^^^soag

Hall
Hall
on Arms
ic Hall
age Assem
stay Arms
stay Arms
; Arms
Hotel
ia Hotel
Hall
Goose Hoi

CD «^

5- a

q, p

":■•:•: S ::: :

"■■•••■ •5" •• '

»-^

o . . . ,

Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury
Wellington
Ludlow
Ironbridge
Oswestry
Oswestry
Market Dray
Bridgnorth
Newport
EUesmere
Whitchurel

^ rt-

■ • * • o : : : i : : r

.... g .....; .

!z:

::::::!:;:: CO

If*-

I-"

::: r :::::: oo CO

Oi 00

»^

p3 —

1— «

►-J 00

;:::'::::: CO to

CJi 00

e-t

cSSSm5i!^!^t^crsoji-'K>

.-•coi*r>fc0^ao3boto.-'Ot-*03

^^OiH-mfci'rf^o^>-''<ii>i'

l-H

!2i

' M

^TJ

FREEMASONRY IN

•si

>j1

h- 1

tei

i2!

t?3

S3.

teJ

MM-

!z!

o S

K
02 H

00 00
Ut CO

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE.

poop op

CO tooeo

I I I I'

£,o»a>„ffl-,H-pg!^

o'S g^Soq p go- BO

3- a e £ a =»■ » '
S"" ft

o "-hS lio 5 ti* 2 M-^

CD (B u I*^

» "^ PET
■ p g-p "

e*- r'o O

B p-o P.B
pop, pj

B pB^ S
o 5 Po"^

g s
oq o

pg
o C

O (D-

• 2 P

I '=' 5

SlB

S°B

O^P-B

o !rM
"SB-
SB'S

^ B o
3 S B

Sss. Is

S9I ^4

gPs

.g-lo

.» B'S

52-

P-si

P SS.K
*< o ^

P Kef

Its

III

5:11

t=:pi

a ^
B-§

t>3 p

P CO

O pi

Wff^OOfcOi-'O'^OOMOS^Tlrfi'OStOl-'

*^050«>COOOOoOO*»-»010im4»-Cn03

CD tr"

:2 o

a -^ 13 -; SS. w •

55a

P3 ;u

^ B » » P o 2b S ° »

at 3 - CP •

■^ O
US

C 3

3 § £3:2:3:^ b;c;s3 3 g 3 s

"'sj33£i.(ri-iii3PsD»ci-aja!

*• c (K g q a S g 2" S'Q 2" 2"
: : : P'P g,: i.?P^44 ; 4'5

5' a

crq {u

-a

--4 V\

00" H-

en
00

tn : : ;
CO : . -

■ • :

'GO

w
to

to ; : :

■ ' •

i ^gSgSSS>-Sf*S3g

toSstowotx-'toi-'W H^ ll» CO w

52 FREEMASONRY IN

LIST OF PROVINCIAL GRAND OFFICERS

OF THE

PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

Provincial Grand Masters :

Sir Edward Matthews, 1731 — ?

Sir Robert de Cornwall, 1754 — 1

George Durant, 1774 — 1779.

Hon. & Rev. F. Hy. Egerton (398), 1786—1819 (?1800 circa).

Hon. Henry Grey Bennett, M.P., 1819—1826.

Sir W. Watkin Wynn, Bart. (262), 1852—1885.

Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart. (262), 1885 — .

Deputy Provincial Grand Masters :

Major Charles Shirrepf (388-262), 1786—1795.

Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart. (262), 1823 (circa) — 1852.

Rev. E. H. Dymock (262), 1852—1873.

J. R. Ormsby-Gore (Lord Harlech) (1124), 1874—1876.

W. Bulkbley Hughes, M.P. (606), 1877—1882.

Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart. (262), 1882—1885.

Rowland G. Venables (611-1124), 1885—.

Provincial Grand Treasurers :
Joshua Pugh White (262), 1852—1888.
Vincent Corbet Legu Crump (117), 1888 — .

Provincial Grand Secretaries :

Major Charles Shirrefp (388-262), 1786—1795.
Charles Wigan (425), 1852—1872.
W. H. Spaull (1124), 1872—.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIEE.

00
to
CO
o

00
-J

CTS

00 00 00 00
o^ ai oi m

h-t CD ^^ Ol

Lo 05 00 en

00
to

CO -<t Ol

t> tej O

OS
Is)

^
§

I— 1

)— »

O £2 S. ^

CD
<1

fi 1-3

I— t . ■*

O
o

cr'
o

(35

rt-
CD

C33

& o

-^§

to
o

tr ' n
^ ^^■

3 to B

t^rg-

to to LO

W
o

I— 1

5-1

I
to

:^ t^ ^
Sop

J3j

H-l

rf^

i^'

^
p

Ol
Ol

to
to

& o

^ I

txS

p
p
p

hi
»

O
I '-'

;>
o

iz;
o

tti SJ td

CD CD CD
<! <! ;g
p^ p^ pj

>^»

J o ^

3 -"*
* s w

f= S CO

CD I 1

S ="

CD 2
CD '-'

CDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCD

<j<i<i<!<;<!<j<!<J<l<l<1<!<J
p.n.o.n.n.Q.djCi^piQjQjp^QjQj

•-d

g .- I .^

i Pwp

WW o td

S" CD CD

t<l ^

t.3 to

C5 OS

LO to

phi
a^

CO P

P-Et

2 CD

^ CO
S «"

tf /■»,

'^P'.

^=1 (i-

to J

2 ac)

P p

O P
to B

, LO LO t^

I to "^

P&
P o „

S-P g.
to ^ to

« OS
to LO
OS
LO

WW
CD CD

^ W W p ."^ W hd p

'chpI,

, piilp po

tdp

hj
w
o

0;3

W -zi
!► O

s p

• W
(»
i2!

FREEMASONRY IN

00 00 00 00

to to OO 00

t;-' O to 00

hf^

H- '

P S

20 O

^
'^

P
P

«H

^Ti

l-H

IS'

1 — "

1—'

t— '

H- '

til £

hf^

w
W

CO
o

td
3-

g-
CO

L-S

CD
CD

.to'

00
to

^ ^ .W

05
LO

t?;J

LO
LO

cd'

to
to
00

t?d

■Jh

■^

"-tj

P
<1

;5 c'

1—'

H P

I—'

hf^

OS
02

05
LO

tdWJjJ^tdtdfdtdtdtdtdtdt^fcdtdtdydtdrd&dtdtdSd

CDCDCbCDCbCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCbcbcbCDCDCDCDCDCDCDCb

<i<i<1<J<<^<j<j<!<l<!<(<|<!<!<J<!<j--<j<-<|<<

JUlj Pj ^ pj Pu P^ Pj P-I Pj p.! Pj Pj Pj Pj Pj Pj Pj P.4 Pj Pj Pj P-I Pj

ji| p p _S S) fed td H H _M M W

c: ■

^^
5 P"
- p.

F^ ^

LO P

LO
OS

CD
h> <l

LO ^
C53 ,_■
Ul LO to

H tr* tH .^ .^ W
^ p p -q <J CO

O CO CO ■ * o

;;"^~'^ Q o ^

y o5 o3 p p p"

^ LO LO 2 3 4
2 ^ ^ P^ P. CD
P Oq CfQ 1=1

CD CD " ■
I-; - " LO

1-' l-J 03
to L^S 1-1

o o

CO |3
O CfQ

^ to

JL 05

I— I
OS

CD Hr-"

P'^

p-^

t-iS-
2 J? W

'"^^

O CO 03

to o S
p pi

WcfQ

• P-

o tj-

p p

to l;

oo Z^ I

,'&^

.^^bd
p- ^-3

a, o CO
o P Jr'

i" IT, !-■ 00

„ ct" to 00

Oog •♦^

to S

P 'T^

> 2

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

ooooooooooooooQoooooooooooooooooooooooooaioooooo

CO -<r 00
o

- t-i" ?r

h^ CD

" ES O I— I tii

oitr' sj I-,

OS bo g i*^

I 1 Gi D

65 fl>

CO J° c ">

(32 ^
bO 53

P-.

1-'- ti cc

oi ^ 1-' S

p w

tsS

p CD

a. &- .*^

fj a> fj

to tocn?

Oi 03 tj'

to tS CD
m

C35

p .

e S 2

cr p 3. o

to
o

tJ-

t^.

p
3

1— '
on

H-»

14^

1 — '

1— *

O p

Ol"

o ^

H-toS

C5 W

S' 05 CD

hdtH
P ■

o < tr

P Pt

§^J?i

cT
►"-■^
02"

«0 or
01

CD CD ^
^-*

02
to

'^^^tti

• o

to
to

o H

^ ■

cd'Q

CO C

•-s
O CO

C^ I — ' i_j

p; pt "
p p 13.

p 3. ;3

S- OS

to £L **^

»
o

«^

D
CD

!z:
I— I
o

o tl S '

cy P2 1

- ^J» <

02 £2
tog'-'

^^"^^^^

p <i

P ^ ^
S- :dP

' (32

t— »

3 H-

P PS

l-'i"
00 o

ChEkP
■ P"

S ^

™' _- 1— '

- gos'

I-. 2 =*

01 02

H —
I?,

P CD
to OT

H W ^ Ed

P^ go

CD p '

It* SOB g
CD M nr

to td -

02 I-" ft;
to I— ' K

to to

o *-

p- CD

p o

CD fD

- p

- CO

cr
o

•-S

o
P

^ e_i (Lh 5_|
<; ■ o •

So5 2

o ty P

tn OS

- GO
to ''^

CJ2

w
o
<

1— <

O
!zi

h- 1
O

PREEMASONET IN

0000000000000000000000000000 oo oo
00^-^-i-^-^-*O5O5cno2Cn<inoi m ct
otooocntf^osi— 'Oocsrf^r- 'co-TOi no ta

oo oo 00
to «0 00
1— ' o to

1— 'OOtO-^OIhf^tO«D-^OIL0 050003

'-' 03 is-^roo Oi'ptb-^
O >-'

w > ^ ^

05 CO 1—1 ^T
O GO ^ Ol
Oi ^f^ CO Ol

E> p M s ^ a

R S! . to

1-1

CLO

•-(

1-'^

(Ti

h4^

C71

F— '

1 — I

w^^

o- g

p O CT3

o <
p., ~-

■i (Tt-

I— 1 to

ti
1-3

g --

r/}

»tJ

1=1

tr*

o O
>

?°

S" c!
J |@

. ^ o

'—' ct- et-
na JB cl-
H- » "

I-" 00

>-' CO

CIS

t-i

Isaac
John
Rev.
J. D.

Fell
je
etch
aim

Know
Barbe
W. El
Love

^ CO <^ o

8 ^J= -" -

o o ®

& '-; H-. <3>~'

J^^ OiJ"

ct> O _

t(^

W=g- B •

S '^ H-l f='

o >r ra p

05 I— »

ta ts i-.

03 -^

to
00

I— I

° 2

i W

SJ
ItJ
f2

wis

tL CD C3

F 1 CD

K) £■ K^
Ci" I — I

to !_. ^

SI
o
<

■ o

B
!zi

t— t

m p ITS
^ - m ,

."I I— ■ ^

O.W
o

2 <
P p
P- p

? 3 g-

: &I p

O C3i to

I— ' Q 05

t-- Iri to

g td^ly

2 ■

1 — 1

ct-

t—"

K'>

=-l <- W 32

p £c3 p

H-- to to
1 — 1 QS

~J t-0

CD
P

w S

>■

i-i

tyj

1=^

(►

Osi

1— «

1-3
>

'g?

fi O

-- ws

im D-. Ol

''^ 00
CO
C5

S3
O
<1

S o

O B5
en SJ

■ O

«H
<3

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

oooocooooooooooioooooo

w ~J 00
o

CD -^ Ol

oooooocooooooooooooooo

CDtDOOOOOOGOOOOOOOGOOO
1— 'OC000~IC5Olhf^0SLOI— '

tOf^i>5boo-<iosoi(Kwi!>3
o

■ S" ffl
3- 9 P

CD ^

I — ! 1 — I

tar^ to
o» ^ rf^

w
o

H in

ffl CT-a?

^ p o

^ -' g ^ o

-as)

LoP" O

o
(>
w
o

r CT e= o.

?°li

t-l

Is'l

I—*

(■fcl

H-'

S o £L
S ^ S E

CD O ,CD

-f^ W^ -^ 1-.
Ci to -cr

CD "

cn O
' <1

H-* CD

00 erg
to a

o p>
M m
Cr' <^
ffi g w
SB p 05

I— I >^ o

CJS OS hJ
^1 LO

W 3

«3
CC
00

o O

w
w

E. i. f= S^S CD

^^"

E. '^

^^ g s

<3i
O

£-- >

Oi CO

o -

- o

to '

1.:;

O
S)

g 1

--■ CD

< 3

BtH

s^r ^

- J"

1 — '

to
o

o n
■* ?

w O

a
o

H
O
SJ

W
o

c:i

CJi

to
to

W w

g
td

B g

hi
SI
o

P ^

|hB

|H H ;^ .^^ H

p" H M Si H

O §3 <j CC O

Btti-

H- ' ,4^. to
, I-" W O

en '^ fi. LO LO
~I i^ f4- l-"

I—"
OI
CO
05

o Q

1^ a

_ >

H a

g ^

S CO

O 03

FREEMASONRY IN

CO
to

00 00 OO CO 00 OOGOODCOOOOOOOOOCO

CO OO 00 00 00 0:>00<X>(XCO-^~~T~J~^

CO CO -^ O^ Ul ^^03t0^—'0c0000^^f^

i> CO CO -^r as cnit-isLOH-'Oacb-^roi

.O O J-,

1 ■
?■ a>

g' CO

S CO
B o

►1 to ■

CD O S-*

-"■" td!

U-. '-' c- <

O i-i

[2 3

rt- I — ' "^

' 00 l-T*
I— < CO ^■^^

"^HO WOO

• O CD O

CD r^ • CD „'3 5

g- Q g «- CD K

'" -- O t>Mg

o .,
I-' 1^05

I— < CO p

02
LO

-:oq

cd'

o
o

1*^

to
o

^ O

JO o
CO

o
>-
a
o

hrj >TJ

C3i , I

^ 2
o

I— 1 i-' CD

CO CO

p g

o S

B ■="

Its
cc

OH
o

C_l C_| C_| S_|

B. B
L. G

Corb
Dani

3. P

CO
CO
00

1*^
^1

1 — 1

CO I-;

OS
CO

hi
o

t— I

S ^

g ta

?= s

w
o

!-• CO tf^
<Ji CO

*■

G-

CD ■^

l' .

s o

■ a

THE PKOVINCE OF SIIUOPSIIIRE.

OOCOCOOOODOOOOOOOOOOCOOO. OOOOa^COCOOOCOGOOCGOCOOO

O I--

P o

:i^'

*i CD Oi •— '

5' L-^ ^

l^ 1

^ 3^ a .^ i^i

"■ CD

tt^\

1 CO

1 -J '

' 05 ^

CD SJ
CD dj

as '^
to

CO Oi

h> S 1>

%%^

; OS ^
00 I-;

-4 ■

O CO

^§ ^

-^g.2

lO O

\^ OS t

^ LO

a 3

,_, CO ^ ,_,

CO SS 0° 00

CO I oo ~i

o 00 oi 03

1—1 CO OS oo

i!-s CO -^r '•^

00 00 00 CO 00 oo GO

CO CO 00 C30 CO GO GO
»— ' o CO 00 -^ OS Ol
LO H^ CO CO 00 ^ C5

r/j 00 CO
CO CO 00
I— ' O CD
LO »— ' CO

Hm" P I o

C CD

JB 1-^ *- CO [H

LO H ;>

S? so s'

E 23 CD
T -i

oi- n

•— ' I— ' <J

fe PcfQ-

p' o

' LO

pop.

3 P >-;

l-S LO
LO

on I

^°

CO i_.

c! in

FHEEMASONEY IN

Provincial Grand Stewards.

1852-3.

B. Churchill, 262
Isaac Taylor, 262

1853-4-5.
W. H. Niccolls, 262
W. J. Beech, 601
John Francis, 606
Wm. Williams, 606
Wm. Patchett, 262
Wm. Anslow, 601

1855-6-7.
W. H. Bayley, 262
John Aronson
Wm. Thomas, 38i
R. Pritchard
John Francis, 606
R. M. Williams, 606

1857-8-9.
W. Stokes
S. Blandford
John Barker, 601
Edward Lewis, 1336
H. A. Jones, 262
E. Jeffreys

1859-60-1.

C. G. Wingfield, 262
W. B. Hayley, 601

— Webb

— Preece
George Felton

— Thomas

1861-2-3.
W. F. Chapman
H. E. Sulhvan

1861-5.
J. Minor Kilvert, 611
John Lloyd, 611
W. T. Middle (Salop)

1866-7-8.
George Owen, 1124
Jasper More, 262
Thomas B. Brown
Edward Pryce
George Brown, 998

1866-7-8.
William Thomas

1868-9-70.
Richard BeUiss, 601
Wm. Blakeway, 262
Edward Pryce
Arthur Britten, 601

1871-2-3.
Thomas Rutter
Askew Roberts, 1121
Frederick Cox, 611

1873-4.
Ephraim Wood, 1124
W. Patchett, 262
H. Newman, 262

E. C. Peele, 262
P. H. Evans, 117

1874-5-6.
R. T. Phillips, 1488
Wm. Collender, 1582
R. J. Sisson, 1143

B. de la P. Beresford, 1432
Alfred Marston, 611

C. H. Rees, 606

1876-7.
John Thomas, 1124

F. Britton, 1594
W. Low, 1336
J. Stokes, 1621

R. T. Phillips, 1488
E. Andrew, 262

1878-9.
J. C. W. Lister, 1120
J. O. Bury, 1336
A. McMillan, 384
John Corbett, 1477
Wm. Spraggon, 117
Wm. Burton, 1336-1124

1879-80.
H. C. Clarke, 262
J. Adams, 601
H. Shepard, 601
J. S. Davies, 998
J. Treweek, 1488

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

Provincial Grand Stewards.

1880-1.
John Davies, 1143
Donald Cameron, 384
W. J. Morris, 1509
E. Smith, 1336

D. E. Kirkly, 1583
RoffKing, 601

1881-2.
Thomas Roberts, 6 1 1
R. Roberts, J 509

E. Williams, 1113
Daintry Hollins, 755

E. J. Chitty, 1621
W. Aston, 1432

1882-3.
R. Roberts, 1509
T. "Warren Thompson, 1 1 7
T. Coxhead, 1674
J. Cowen, 1336

F. R. Spaull, 1 1 24
W. E. Stuart, 262

1883-4.
E. Robinson, 998
W. J. Lovegrove, 1 988
W. Putman, 611
T. Rought Jones, 1575
P. H. V. Grosholz, 1583

1884-5.

G. K. Reason, 1 336
R. Owen Jones, 1369
V. C. L. Crump, 117
Wm. Lloyd, 1143

T. A. Forster, 1694
E. W. Keatinge, 1674

18t<5-6.
John Blockley, 117
T. Whitefoot, Junr., 1621
John Smith, 601
J. H. Williams, 611
John Ginders, 1 575
Charles Drew, 1432

1886-7.
T. P. Deakin, 1 1 7
Wm. Belton, 117

A. Marston, 611
T. Pratt, 1621

J. H. Parsons, 1432

B. Bastow, 1575

1887-8.
L. A. Manning, 1 1 24
A. S. Townsend, 1 1 7
H. E. Roberts, 1621
H. G. U. Elliott, 1896
T. J. Barnett, 1120
J. England, 1432

1888-9.
Herbert Major, 1 1 7
Wm. Westcott, 1621
W. J. Ogg, 2131
F. Chubb, 1 1 20
Samuel Bennion, 1575
T. C. Bird, 1896
1889-90.

C. Lewis, 1896
W. E. Sharp, 611
A. S. Trevor, 1621
KyffinG. Salter, 2131
Tom Machin, 1120

A. B. Deakin, 117

1890-1.
Wm. Adams, 1 1 7
R. McBean, 6 1 1
A. Nelson, 1432
A. Exham, 1575
H. R. Giles, 2131
F. A. Bird, 1 896

1891-2.
Benjamin Blower, 1 1 7
Wyndham Deedes, 262
Thomas Allen, 1 1 20
T. Bromwich, 1621
C. E. Baddeley, 1896
— Woodford, 1575

Note — From 1852-1885 the Province included both North Wales and Shropshire,
Many Brethren in the above lists belongred to more than one Lodge — as far as possible,
I have tiied to credit each Brother to that Lodge in which he was in office at the
time of his appointment. Absolute accuracy in the earlier names and numbers
cannot be guaranteed, as the Provincial Minute Book is in places very incomplete^
and no other reliable source of information is attainable.

62 FREEMASONRY IN

Tub Lodge of
St. ALKMUND, WHITCHURCH, No. 2311.

The past liistory of the Craft in Whitchurch has been
fully dealt with in the previous pages in coiuiection with the
work of Major Shirreff in the closing years of the last century.
That history was then practically identical with the history of
the Province, and now, after an interval of 90 years, during which
nothing could be recorded, its closing page may be written with
bright auguries for a successful future.

The Lodge of St. Alkmund was founded in 1889, its
warrant being dated April 18th in that year. Its Consecration,
by the R.W.P.G.M. Bro. Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart., took place
on June 6th, the Installing Officer on that occasion being the
W.P.D.G.M. Bro. Rowland Venables, P.A.G.D. of C.

The establishment of the Lodge was largely due to the
efforts of some zealous brethren of the Salopian Lodge of Charity,
117. Of its sixteen founders no less than nine were members of
that Lodge, and its first three Masters were all Past Masters of
the same Lodge. Since its foundation it has rapidly gained
ground, and has already attained a most honourable position in
the Charity Returns. It now numbers nearly 30 subscribing
members. Bro. Sir Watkin Wynn, Bart., P.P.G.W., the nephew
of the late R.W.P.G.M., was one of the founders.

I believe I am correct in stating that at the close of the
year 1892 the Lodge will be strong enough in every way to stand,
as it is intended that it should do, without any extraneous
assistance, and conduct its Masonic work in a thoroughly efficient

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

■way. Its short list of W.M.'s given below, contains names which
are a sure guarantee that the instruction received by the youngest
Lodge in the Province, has been, and will be, most careful and
accurate.

List of Masters.

1S89-90— Vincent Corbet Legh Crump, P.M., 1 1 7, P.G. Treasurer.
1890-91— William Belton, P.M., 117, P.P.G.S.D.
1891.92— William Adams, P.M., 117, P.G.A.D. of C.

GRAND LODGE REGISTER OE MEMBERS

OF THE

WHITCHURCH LODGE, No. 3S8 (erased 1801.)

Name.

Profession.

Residence

When
Made

Joined

Charles Shirreff

Major in Army

VYhitcliurch

15,11,85

Rev. F. H. Egerton

Clerk

W. L. Brookes

Esq.

R. Bentley

Gardener

15,11,85

P. Newton

Innholder

))

John Collier

Clerk

Godfrey Wolley

Clerk

Arthur Blaney

Surgeon

William Turner

Architect

John Dodd

Esqre.

Leicester

Thomas Sandford

Esq re.

of Sandford

J. T. Meakin

Surgeon

Whitchurch

17,11,85

Samuel Hodson

Draper

24,11,85

Peter Gregory

Attorney

15,12,85

John Gregory

Do.

James Simpson

Excise Ofl3.cer

Charles Gibbons

Attorney

Namptwich

George Watson

Do.

Whitchurch

14,1,86

Thos. Pigot

Esqre.

Wollerton

2,2,86

Henry Salmon

Clerk

Audlam

15,.3,86

Henry J. Raynett

Army

28,.3,86

T. P. D. Salmon

Clerk

Oxford

))

Jas. Warren

Attorney

Drayton

3,4,86

FREEMASONRY

Name.

Profession.

Residence

When
Made.

Joined

William Wickstead

Barrister

London

3,4,86

Samuel Marshall

Army-

23,6,50

Lord Kilmorrey

Joseph Beddow

Grocer & Iron-
monger

20,2,87

John Beck

do.

8,3,87

John Kempster

Grocer

6,6,87

Joseph Langford

Clerk

13,5,!S8

Thos. Jones

John Gerrard

T. J. Collier

Grocer

Whitchurch

18,6,89

Sir Richard Hill

Baronet

4,7,89

John Hill

Esqre.

Rev. Brian Hill

Clerk

John Hill, Junr.

Esqre.

Rev. W. Judgson

Clerk

1,10,89

Edward Seagar

Iron Merchant

1,11,90

Richard Wingfield

39lGentleman

14,3,91

Charles Walker

Clerk

25,0,91

Phi Tonnereau

Esqre.

Richard Thomas

Gardener

5,10,91

William Kent

Clerk

Owen Roberts

Esqre.

30,8,92

Wm. Hill Watson

Attorney

Whitchurch

17,6,93

Samuel Lowe

22,2,98

William Collier

6,10,98

Richard Crosse

12,10,99

Richard Grant

Drayton

3,4,1800

GRAND LODGE REGISTER OF MEMBERS

OF THE

EGERTON LODGE, WHITCHURCH, No. 445 (erased 1801.)

Name.

Profession.

Residence

When
Made.

Joined

William Challnor
Robert B. Jones
John Manning
Thos. Penlington
Thos. Hinton

45
27
29
36

Plaisterer

Stationer

Cordwainer

Farmer

Butcher

Wliitchurch

J)
J)

17,3,89

1^4,89

19,0,89

30,11,89

THE

PROVINCE OF SIIEOPSHIRE.

Name.

Profession

Residence

When
Made.

Joined

Thos. Wilson

Butcher

Whitchurch

28,12,1789

Thos. Casewell

Watchm'k'r

6,12,90

John Edwards

Currier

)}

28,7,90

Samuel Driver

Staymaker

17,11,90

John Morris

Painter

16,12,90

Samuel Cross

Waiter

27,12,90

Samuel Hotchkees

Clerk

))

6,1,92

John Pearson

•28

Farmer

William Kirby

Musician

24,7,92

John Reese

Attorney

6,12,92

John Willet

Innkeeper

John Grant

Writer

27,12,92

Edward Jones

Clerk

4,9,93

FREEMASONRY IN

THE BROWNLOW LODGE, ELLESMERE, 2131.

EUesmere was one of the towns visited by Shirreff in the
last century in his capacity of D.P.G.M. for the Province of
■Shropshire. He did not, however, succeed in establishing a Lodge
there, and until the last few years the Brethren of that town have
been obliged to join Lodges at a distance. On the 12th of
December, 1,885, a Warrant was issued for the foundation of the
Brownlow Lodge. It was consecrated on the 11th of January
following, by the R.W.P.G.M. Bro. Sir Offley Wakeman, the
ceremony being performed in the Town Hall. The first founders
were Bro. E. W. Prevost, A. T. Akroyd, and W. J. Ogg. The
Brownlow was the first Lodge warranted in this Province after
its separation from North Wales. Bro. H. R. Giles was the first
initiate, and can thus claim to be the first W.M., who was the
first initiate of the first consecrated Lodge in the new Province.
It now numbers 21 members, and seems to be gradually but
surely gaining ground.

List of Masters.

1886— Edward WilHam Prevost.

1887— Arthur Thomas Akroyd, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1888— Walter John Ogg, P.P.G.S. of W.

1889— Kyffin George Salter, P.P.G.S. W.

1S90— Henry Richard Giles, P.G.R.

1891— Arthur John Prince Child

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 67

THE AUDLEY LODGE, NEWPORT, 1896.

This was the last Lodge founded in Shropshire before its
erection into a separate Province. The Warrant is dated
February 15th, 1881, and the Lodge was consecrated on May
20th in the same year by the R.W.P.G.M. Bro. Sir Watkirf
Wynn, assisted by Bro. W. H. Spaull, P.G. Sec.

At a lodge held on September 26th, 1882, an address of
congratulation was presented to Bro. W. Masefield, Grand Std.
Bro., P.D.P.G.M., Worcestershire, who was a native of Newport,
and an honorary member of the Lodge. At the close of the
business a banquet was, by a curious coincidence, held in the very
house in which the venerable guest of the Lodge had been born
82 years previously. There are now more than 30 subscribing
members on its roll.

List or Masters.
1881— John Bodenham, P.P.G.W., P.P.G. Treas., Staffs.
1882 — John Bodenham.
1883— R. T. Masefield.
1884— Rev. C. R. Gordon, P.P.G.C.
1885— Thomas James, P.P.G.S. of W.
1886— Tom Collins, P.P.G.J.W.
1887— PI. G. U. Elliott, P.P.G.R.
1888— T. C. Bird, P.P.G.J.D.
1889— Charles Lewis, P.P.G. Steward.
1890— F. A. Bird, P.P.G. Sword Bearer
1891— C. E. Baddeley, P.G. Steward.

This list gives the year of installation of the various
Past Masters.

68 FEEEMASONEY IN

THE CASTLE LODGE, BRIDGNORTH, 162L

The Castle Lodge has had three predecessors in Bridg-
north. The first of these was a nameless " Ancient " Lodge
founded in 1767. It met at the Crown Inn, Low Town, and
was numbered 147. It apparently existed for a very short period,
as there are no records in Grand Lodge except for the year of
its foundation. The fate of its Warrant is told in the notes
placed at the end of the preceding list of extinct Lodges in the
Province. A second Lodge, the Lodge of Friendship, meeting
at the Hand and Bottle Inn, and numbered 413 on the roll of
the "Modern" Grand Lodge, was founded in 1771. It was
erased in 1783, its number in 1780 having been altered to 321,
and in 1781 to 322. The Lodge of Industry, founded in 1799,
is the third Lodge referred to. It originally met at the Hand
and Bottle Inn, but in 1800 removed to the Raven Inn, where
it continued to meet during the remainder of its existence. Its
original number on the " Modern " roll was 578 ; at the Union
it became 597, and in 1832 this number was again changed to 398.
It was erased in 1853, though, as no names were registered in
Grand Lodge after 1840, it had doubtless ceased working some
time before the former date. Its formal erasure was due, we
may readily believe, to the reports made to Grand Lodge by the
Officers of the then newly constituted Province of North Wales
and Shropshire.

The records of this Lodge would be particularly valuable

•if they could be recovered, but unfortunately the clue to their

whereabouts cannot at present be followed up. Some of the

and other Masonic possessions of the Lodge are however still in

existence, and are now in the custody of the Castle Lodge.

THE PROVINCE OF SIIEOPSI-IIRE. 69

These relics consist of — ■

1. The Charter, dated March 4th, 1818, for a Royal Arch
Chapter to be called " the Agenorian Chapter," working
in connection with the Lodge of Industry, 597, and to
hold its first meeting on March 29th in the same year.

This Chapter had undoubtedly been working from about
the year 1801 under the wing of the Grand Chapter, unofficially
promoted by the " Modern " Grand Lodge prior to the Union.
The Charter in question was, therefore, probably only one of
confirmation (though it certainly is not expressed to be such)
granted in 1818 by the United Grand Chapter(i) estabhshed in
1817. The Companions named in it are Thomas Southern,
Edward Parry, Thomas Devey, Richard Baker, Richard Holmes,
John Nicholas, William Page, Richard Dukes, and Edward
Page, Junr., all of whom were duly registered members of the
Agenorian Chapter before 1816, except John Nicolas and Edward
Page, Junr., against whose names there is no date in the Grand
Chapter Register, and whose exaltation, judging by the sequence
of dates, may have .taken place at any time between 1816-1818.
Fifty-two names in all are upon this Register. Amongst them
will be found the names of three members of the Salopian Lodge,
viz. : — Benjamin Partridge, P) John Jenks, and John Jaundrel
(or Jandrel), and two of the Salopian Lodge of Charity, viz. : —
William Dodd and Robert Powis. (3) The last name was registered
in the year 1836, so that the Chapter probably ceased working a
year or two before the Lodge of Industry. Its number in 1801
was 118, but after the establishment of the United Grand Chapter,
in accordance with the rules of that Institution, it took the num-
ber of the Lodge to which it was attached. The Charter is in
capital preservation, being framed and covered with glass.

(1) See Salopian Lodge History for 1817.

(2) See Salopian Lodge History for 1702.

(3) See History o£ Salopian Lodge of Charity infra.

70 FREEMASONRY IN

2. A large Portrait, in oils, of Bro. Richard Baker (Barker in

the Grand Chapter Register, 1815) arranged in both
Royal Arch and Craft clothing, including the collar and
jewel of a W.M.

3. A very small Royal Arch Pedestal with the letters S.K.I.,

H.K.T., and H.A.B. arranged as a monogram.

4. A crimson silk banner on which are emblazoned the twelve

Ensigns or Bearings of the Twelve Tribes of Israel as
used in a R.A. Chapter.

5. Three Crowns evidently intended for the three Principals of

the Chapter. They seem not to have been worn, but
placed on pedestals near the chairs of the Principals.

6. A very handsome Cavalry Sword, with the following inscrip-

tions : — On one side — " To the Lodge of Industry, No.
578, Bridgnorth, 1799." On the other side—" A token
of remembrance from the Brethren of the 21st Regt.
Light Dragoons," and on the back edge — " Quarter
Masters Simms, Sharpley, Hurst, Hackete, "Whiteaker."(i)
It is now used by the Tyler of the Castle Lodge.

7. A large China Punch-bowl, decorated with many Masonic

emblems, including the letter G in the centre of a
blazing star ; two columns or pillars surmounted by
globes ; the square pavement ; the sun, crescent moon,
and seven stars ; an ear of corn near a fall of water ;
the Volume of the Sacred Law ; the square and com-
passes, level, square, plumb rule ; a semi-circular
protractor, &c., ifcc.

There is nothing upon the bowl to indicate that it was
the property of the Lodge of Industry, except represen-
tations of two bee-hives, with the bees depicted busily
at work, symbolically referring to the Lodge as the
home of Industry.

(1) See Salopian Lodge History lor the year 1800.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 71

A very curious gallows-looking framework for raising, by
means of pulleys, the perfect ashlar. The pulleys are
inscribed " Lodge of Industry," and the ashlar is fitted
up so as to illustrate the principle of the lewis.

Various working tools, gavels, heavy maul, transparency,
collar jewel of the W.M., &c., &c. The working tools
are more fitted for an operative than a speculative
Lodge ; the level is about four feet wide by three feet
high, and the other tools are made in proportion.

10. A portion of the back of the Chair of the W.M. representing
the Sun, and a circular board depicting the Crescent
Moon and Seven Stars, in gold, on a dark blue ground.

The only reminiscence of the working of the Lodge of
Industry that I have been able to recover from the memory of
living brethren is in relation to the working of the third degree.
Bro. T. Whitefoot, Senr. asserts, that, in the olden time, a very
impressive portion of that ceremony, my readers will know to
what I refer, was worked with an adherence to reality which
Modern Masons do not imitate. From the list of members
appended it will be seen that 33 candidates were initiated in the
year of its foundation — a good start for a Lodge dating from
the last century. After the extinction of this Lodge, Bridgnorth
remained without a Lodge until the year 1876. On Aug. 25th
in that year, the Castle Lodge was consecrated by Bro. Goldsboro,
its "Warrant being dated May 30th. On that occasion Bro.
Joseph Stokes was installed as W.M. Since its foundation the
Lodge has had a quiet but useful existence; it now numbers
about thirty subscribing members, and is conspicuous in its
devotion to the cause of charity. Its musical ritual is exceed-
ingly well done, much of its efficiency in this respect being due
to the loving care bestowed upon it by Bro. J. Sewell, P.P.G.O.

FREEMASONRY IN

List op Masters.
•1876-7-J"oseph Stokes, P.P.G.R. (Worcester.)
1877-8— Edward Jones Chittey, P.P.G.A.D. of 0.
1878-9— Horace B. Southwell, P.P.G.O.
1879-80-Abraham Colles.
1880-1— Thomas Pratt, P.P.G. Std. B.
1881-2— William Simms, P.P.G.P.
1882-3— Edmund M. Southwell.
1883-4— Thomas Whitefoot, Junr., P.P.G.J.W.
1884-5— W. Lascelles Southwell, P.P.G.J.W.
1885-6— James Hughes Cooksey, P.P.G.R.
1886-7— Henry E. Roberts, P.P.G.J.D.
1887-8— William Westoott, P.P.G. Std. B.
1888-9— Alfred S. Trevor, P.P.G. Std. B.
1889-90-Rev. Reginald T. H. Lucas, P.P.G.C.
1890-1— Thomas Bromwich, P.G. Steward.
1891-2— William Thomas Smith.

GRAND LODGE REGISTER OF MEMBERS

OF THE

LODGE OF INDUSTRY, BRIDGNORTH, No. 578
(erased 1853.)

Business

W'hen

Name.

Residence 'Made

Joined

Profession.

Richard Holmes

1799

William Hall

Thomas Thomson

Surgeon's Mate

21st Regt.

John Pearce

Currier

Henry Veritrice

Stationer

Josiah Garthide

Lieutenant

21st Regt.

William Simms

Quarter-Master

Richard Bagley

Innkeeper

))

John Gibson

Whitaker

Sergt. Major

21st Regt.

Thomas Wilkinson

Quarter Master

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSIIIEE.

Name.

William Hackett
"William Blades
John Hartley
William Evrey
William Sharpley
Edward Williams
William Page
Joseph Bangham
William Lewis
James Hamson
Thomas Southorn
William Smith
— Adams
Edward Bowen
Thomas Hirst
Edward Parry
Edward Darke
William Edwards
Richard Elcock
John Morris

Bennett
Francis Davis
Joseph Steward
George Pitt
Samuel Roden
J. Holmes
James Griffiths
William Harts-

horne
John Hardwick
John Christopher
Kiflfernsteen
John Fletcher
Thomas Parker
Cornelius Wheeler
Isaiah John Guest
James Cureton
Matthias Crowther
Edward Stephens
Thomas Milner

Samuel Goasnell
Thomas Bean
Edward Pearce
Thomas Devey

27
31
23

45
23

58
25

Profession.

Quarter-Master

Lieutenant

Serjeant

Corporal

Quarter-Master

Sadler

Taylor

Innkeeper

Attorney

Serjeant

Pipemaker

Comedian

Serjeant

Farmer

Quarter-Master

Attorney

Officer Excise

Farmer

Attorney

Malster

Whitesmith

Farmer

jj
Brickmaker

Attorney

Clockmaker
Farmer

27
22
26
33
28
53
25
24
23

40
33
33

Serjeant

Surgeon

Tinman

Watchmaker

Mercer

Gardener

Miller

Painter

Farmer

Baker

Attorney

Residence.

21st Regt.

))
))
)J

Bridgnorth

21 si Regt.

21st Regt.
21st Ree-t.

When
Made.

1799

2,3,99
24,8,99

28,9,99
23',11,99

Joined

Broseley

Burcott

53rd Regt.

Bridgnorth

Broseley

Bridgnorth

Broseley

Bridgnorth

Eardington

Upper Arley

Harley

Bridgnorth

9,5,1803

6,6,1803

8,8,1803

30,1,1804

30,4,1804

17,6,1805

24,6,1805

14,10,1805

15,4, '1806

or 1807

24,6,1807

24,8,1807

6,2,1809

24,6,1809

FREEMASONRY IN

Name. ^

George Lewis 29

William Nock 2t<

George Hartshorn 44
John Nicholas 33

John Daniel 39

Samuel Holloway 35
Thomas Wardell 40
William Bright 25
William Pearce 35
Thomas Roberts 32
Richard Gwynn 48
George Gwynn 40
John Brown 26

Richard Corbet

Cooper
Thomas Jenkins 37
Benjamin Turner 44
John Dallow 38

Rev. George Hugh

Hazlewood 42
John Boulton 2

John Longmore 29
Thomas Nock 51

William Hardwick 40
Charles Gabert 36
William Rudge 54
Samuel Reynolds 42
James Brampton 26
Nathum Blacker 45
Benj aminPartridge
Richard Dukes
Robert Pearce
Thomas Higgs
James Newton 23
Joseph Bennett 36
Rev. Chas. C.

Whitmore 26
Richard Baker 31
Thomas Boulton 32
Thomas Whitmore 31
Robert Heighway 43
Thomas Nevitt 42
Wm. Beech Howell 46
Richard Phillips 40

Profession.

Mercer, &c.

Attorney

Victualler

Brazier

Farmer

Cooper

Excise Officer

Grocer

Potter

Mercer, &c.

Shoemaker

Chandler

Druggist

Architect
Innkeeper
Carpenter

Clerk

Lieutenant R.N.

Hatter

Innkeeper

Attorney

Gentleman

Brewer

Innkeeper

Surgeon

Major

Book-keeper

Victualler

Yeoman
Servant

Clerk
Esquire
Esquire
Esquire, M.P.
Yeoman
Barge Owner
Plumber, (fee.
Farmer

Residence.

When
Made.

Broseley

28,8,1809

))

28,11,1809

25,12,1809

Bridgnorth

3,2,1806

Woodlands

4,8,1806

BilHngsley

30,9,1806

Bridgnorth

27,10,1806

Broseley

25,12,1809

Binthall

Broseley

Bridgnorth

12,11,10

11,3,11

Apley Park

9,4,11

Billingsley

13,5,11

DeuxhUl

10,6,11

Bridgnorth

24,6,11

5,8,11

J)
J)

3,2,12

J)
Apley Park

1,6,12

Bridgnorth

21,12,12

13,1,13

Apley Park

15,2,13

17,3,13

Stockton

4,6,13

Bridgnorth

3,7,13

Apley Park

23,7,13

Stockton

16,8,13

Bridgnorth

21,8,13

13,9,13

Astley

11,10,13

Abbots

Joined

2,3,12
1,6,12

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE.

Name.

Peter Charlton
Peter Scahill

Thomas Crumpton

George Littleford
William Stokes '

Richard Weaver
Samuel Holloway
Samuel Rowden
David Pritehard
Matthias Crowther
John Parks
William Scott
Robert Jenkins
Edmund Steward
Henry Pagett
William Dallewy
Stanley Crowther
Thomas Glase
John White
Benjamin Lloyd
William Barrey

WilUam Ball Elton
John Thomas

Ragley
James Long
John Williams
John Kynaston
Richard Paget

Drinkwater

Profession.

Gardener
Landscape Gar

doner
Gentleman

Farmer
Gentleman

Farmer

Innkeeper

Brickmaker

Gentleman

Innkeeper

Residence.

Apley Park

Astley

Abbots

Whitemere,
Salop

Billingsley

Broseley

Bridgnorth

Excise Officer

Hatter

Farmer

Miller

Gentleman

Plumber&Glaziei

Watchmaker

Gentleman

Plasterer

Jeweller
Currier
Sadler
Innkeeper

34
21|Merchant

Billingsley
Stockton
Chelton
Bridgnorth

>j
Kindleford
Bridgnorth
Hunley, Co.

Stafford

City of Cov-
entry
Broseley
Bridgnorth

Shrewsbury

When
Made.

1,8,14

28,11,14

23,12,14
30,1,15

18,3,15

1816

9,4,17

11,5,17

6,3,20

29,5,20

8,5,20

25,9,20

18,8,21

4,4,25

6,6,25

1,8,25

30,1,26

4,2,28

6,3,28

5,30

15,8,34

4,1,31

30,5,36

Joined

PKEEMASONRY IN

GRAND CHAPTER REGISTER

OP THE

MEMBERS OF THE AGENORIAN CHAPTER, No. 118

(erased 1853).

Exalted

Members' Names

Title, Profession, &c.

Admitted.

PartridgeBenJ amin

1801

Bookseller

Southern, Thomas

Pipe Maker

Hardsman, William

Paper Maker

Dark, Edward

Agent

Jenks, John.

12,8,1802

Currier

Bennett, John

15,9 „

Malster

Nunns, John

Gentleman

Williams, Edward

10,9,1801

Saddler

Parry, Edward

))

Attorney

Bangham, Joseph

J»

Innkeeper

Page, William

12,8,1802

Tailor

Hornblower, John

Iron Master

Dukes, Richard

15,9 „

Innkeeper

Hall, William

))

Taylor, William

9,10 „

Gentleman

Bagley, Richard

))

Innkeeper

Jandrell, John

Schoolmaster

Holmes, Richard

1803

P.S.

Higgs, Thomas

7,1,1803

Barge Owner

Williams, John

Clerk

Lewis, Wilham

21,5 „

Attorney

Cox, James

Innkeeper

Pearce, John

24,9 „

Currier

Fletcher, John

29,12 „

Surgeon

Hallen, George

4,2,1804

Innkeeper

William

Guest, Isaiah

28,12,1806

Mercer

Hartshorn, William

Watchmaker

Griffiths, James

Attorney

Marshall, John

27,12,1807

Gentleman

Daniel, John

27,12,1808

Farmer

Barker, Ricd., Esq.

20,6,1815

Gent., Bridgnorth

Boulton, Thomas

)> )j

Devey, Thos., Esq.

Hardwick, William

JJ ,,

Blacker, Latham

7,8 „

Esqre.

Jenkins, Thomas

5,9 „

Architect, Apley

Park

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIUE.

NEW REGISTER (from 1818).

Exalted

Members' Names

Title, Profession, &c

Admitted.

Nicholas, John

Page, Edward, Jun.

Reynolds, Samuel

29,1,1819

Pritchard, David

25,10 „

Hazlewood, Rev.

17,1,1820

George Hugh

Russell, John

19,11,1827

526

Crowther, Stanley

597

Lloyd, Benjamin

7,1,1828

))

Brown, John

))

Glase, Thomas

5,10 „

))

Dallewy, William

Powis, Robert

12,2,1843

135

Innkeeper

Dodd, William

))

Painter

HoUyoak, Henry

5,1,1836

435

Captain

Law, Paul

Innkeeper

Williams, John

398

Saddler

PEEEMASONEY IN

THE CLIVE LODGE, MARKET DRAYTON, 1575.

This Lodge, which takes its name from the great
Shropshire hero Lord Olive, was warranted on October 23rd,
1875. The names of its founders, given upon the Warrant, are
George Gordon Warren, John Tayleur, John Bodenham, William
Henry Harding, Thomas Rought Jones, Frederick Charles
Cockagne, and John Bell Unsworth. Bro. Warren was installed
as its first Master by Bro. J. Loxdale Warren. It now contains
about 16 subscribing members.

List of Mastees.

1876-7— George Gordon Warren, P.M., 726-887.

1877-8— „ P.P.G.R. StafiF., P.P.G.S.W.

1878-9— John Bodenham, P.M., 1896, P.P.G.S.W., P.P.G.
Treas. Staff.

1879-80-Jabea C. Jones.

1880-1— Samuel Bennion, P.P.G.J.D.

1881-2— Thomas Rought Jones, P.P.G. Steward.

1882-3 — George Lashmour.

1883-4^ohn Ginders, P.P.G.A.D. of 0.

1884-5— Thomas E. Chritchley.

1885-6 — Benjamin Bastow, P.P.G. Steward.

1886-7— Thomas Ginders, P.P.G.A.P.

1887-8 — Joseph Gouldbourne.

1888-9— Frederick C. Woodforde.

1889-90-Arthur F. E. Exham, P.P.G. Steward.

1890-91- „ P.G. Standard B.

The list of names registered in Grand Lodge as belonging
to the extinct Anchor and Hope Lodge, Woore, is placed next,
as being probably of greater interest to the Brethren from
Market Drayton than to those hailing from any other part of the
Province.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE.

GRAND LODGE REGISTER

OF THE

MEMBERS OF THE ANCHOR & HOPE LODGE, WOORE,

No. 644 (erased 1853.)

Business

When

Members Names

Age.

or
Profession.

Residence.

Made
Masons.

John Bromfield

W.M.

James Foden

s.w.

James Barratt

J.W.

Wm. Preston

Bradbury

Henry Wittington

Henry Church

Moody

Thomas Barratt

William Crutchley

James Clark

Richard Morris

Carpenter

Madely

8,2,1838

James Broomhall

Ground

Bailiff

Richard Clough

Farmer

Woore

24,1,1839

Richard Benbow

Dorrington

George Hopwood

Ashley

20,6 „

Richard Stanway

))

Knighton

25,7 „

Ralph Challioner

j»

Hunsterston

J»

Daniel Hewitt

Draper

Woore

Wm. Horatio

Pankhurst

Manufactur'r

Hanley

William Machin

Attorney

Thomas Keay

Farmer

Oakley

19,12,1839

Thomas Bromfield

Butcher

Wybunbury

16,4,1840

Thomas Wooley

Gardener

Oakley

9,7,1840

80 FREEMASONRY IN

FITZALAN LODGE, OSWESTRY, No. 1432.

This, the junior Lodge in Oswestry, was warranted on
April 5th, 1873, and consecrated on June 21st in the same year,
Bro. Goldsboro, P.P.G.S.W. was the Consecrating Officer. The
names of the brethren mentioned on the warrant are J. W.
Wallace, Alexander Walker,. Robert de la Poer Beresford,
J. Ralph Ormsby Gore (afterwards Lord Harlech), George Owen,
and John Ward, but Bros. Edward Bremner Smith and Samuel
Hazlit had a very considerable share in its foundation. It now
possesses 26 subscribing members. On August 4th, 1876, a
Petition for a Chapter was approved by the P.G. Lodge, but
nothing further seems to have been done in the matter. About
the year 1880 a Lodge of Instruction met in connection with the
Lodge, but it is now practically defunct.

List op Masters.

1873-4— John Winfield Wallace.

1874-5— Robert de la Poer Beresford, P.P.G.J.D.

1875-6 — Edward Bremner Smith.

1876-7— Samuel Hazlit.

1877-8— David Vaughan.

1878-9— William Aston, P.P.G.S. of W.

1879-80-John B. Murless.

1880-1— William Griffiths.

1881-2— John Maclardy, P.P.G.S.D.

IS 82-3— Richard Brayne, P. P.G. A. S.

1883-4- John Thomas Whitridge,

1884-5— James Henry Parsons, P.G.J.D.

1885-6— Charles Drew, P.P.G.J.D.

1886-7— James England, P. P.G. Steward.

1SS7-8— Arthur Thomas Akroyd, P.P.G.O.

1888-9— William Aylmer Lewis, P.P.G.S.D.

1889-90- Alexander Nelson, P.P.G.A.P.

1890-1— James Henry Parsons, P.G.J.D.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIKE. 81

THE LODGE OP ST. OSWALD, OSWESTRY, 1124.

As I have already noticed there were two Lodges founded
in Oswestry in the last century — one in 1744, which met at the
Masons' Arms, and lasted for about ten years, its number
throughout that period being 119 — the other, originally founded
in 1771 at Wynnstay, and called by that name, was removed to
Oswestry in 1785, and only survived for a few years, its number
being 324. As the name denotes, this latter Lodge was founded
at the residence of Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., in Denbighshire, but
all records of its existence, if any were in fact preserved, were
destroyed in the great lire in 1858. After its extinction,
Oswestry remained without a Lodge until the year 1866, when
the Lodge of St. Oswald was founded. Its first meeting was
held by dispensation, on Oct. 1st, when J. R. Ormsby Gore, Esq.,
M.P., the first Lord Harlech, was proposed as a member, and on
Nov. 5th it was duly consecrated by Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart.,
R.W.P.G.M., assisted by Bro. Goldsboro.

Amongst the founders who are still alive will be found
the names of Bro. Lord E. H. Hill Trevor, of Brynkinalt, and
Bro. W. H. Spaull, now for many years past P.G. Sec. The
Lodge was presented by the R.W.P.G.M. with the three antique
chairs and six candlesticks formerly used by the old Wynnstay
Lodge, and it thus possesses relics of the past many years older
than those belonging to any other Lodge in the Province.

On Nov. 1st, 1869, the R.W.P.G.M. under the banner of
the Lodge, laid the foundation stone of the Oswestry Cottage
Hospital, which has since proved itself to be a most useful Public
Institution — Bro. W. H. Spaull was the Architect. The cere-
mony was most impressive, and during its course the following

82 rnEEMASONRY IN

hymn, specially composed for the occasion by the Rev. W. Wal-
sham How, now Bishop of Wakefield, was sung by the Choir,

Tune — Jam Lucis.

O Thou, thro' sufiering perfect made.
On "Whom the bitter Cross was laid.
In hours of sickness, grief, or pain.
No sufferer turns to Thee in vain.

The halt, the maim'd, the sick, the blind,
Sought not in vain Thy tendance kind :
Now in Thy poor Thyself we see,
And minister thro' them to Thee.

O loving Saviour, Thou canst cure.
The pains and woes Thou didst endure :
To Thee this house. Physician Great,
In lowly faith we dedicate.

O heal the bruisfed heart within,
O save our souls, all sick with sin :
Give life and health in bounteous store.
That we may praise Thee evermore.

So Mote it be.

A Special Masonic Edition of the Oswestry Advertizer,
dated Nov. 1st, 1869, contains a full report of the proceedings,
and may be consulted for further information.

In the year 1872, the R.W.P.G.M. built a Lodge Room,
attached to the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, for the use of the Lodge,
and in this room it heis since continued to meet.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 83

The Lodge possesses an old and interesting print dedicated
to the Grand Lodge of England by Bro. Jeffreys, representing
the " Distinguishing Characteristic of Masonry — Charity exerted
on proper objects." A copy of this print is reproduced in the
left hand panel of the certificate of thanks given by the Com-
mittee of the Girls School to the Stewards at its festivals. Its
subject is Ruspini, the founder of that School, leading one child
by the hand, and followed by many others.

List op Masters.

1866-7— William Henry Hill, RP.G.J.D.

1867-8— George Owen, P.P.G.S.W.

1868-9 — Captain J. Hamer.

1869-70-E. Elias.

1870-1— W. H. Spaull, P.G. Seo.

1871-2— R. J. Ormsby Gore, M.P., P.P.D.G.M.

1872-3— John Ward.

1873-4— Ephraim Wood, P.P.G.S.W.

1874-5— Alexander Walker, P.P.G.S. of W.

1875-6— John Thomas, P.P.G. Steward.

1876-7— William Burton, P.P.G. Steward.

1877-8— H. C. Corlield.

1878-9— Rev. A. L. Taylor, P.P.G.C.

1879-80-F. Chaplin.

1880-1— Stanley Leighton, M.P., P.P.G.S.W.

1881-2— F. R. Spaull, P.P.G.R.

1882-3— R. G. Yenables, D.P.G.M., P.A.G.D. of C. (Eng.)

1883-4— A. 0. Spaull, P.P.G.R.

1884-5— George J. Morgan, P.P.G. Std. B.

1885-6— L. A. Manning, P.P.G. Std. B.

1886-7— Henry Morris.

1887-8— Sir W. W. Wynn, Bart., P.P.G.S.W.

1888-9— J. P. Cartwright, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1889-90- Rev. J. B. Meredith, P.P.G.C.

1890-1— Rev. Henry Dunkin, P.G.C.

8i FREEMASONRY IX

THE LODGE OF ST. MILBURGA, IRONBRIDGE,

No. 1120.

This Lodge was warranted on June 5th, 1866, held its
first meeting on September 11th, and was consecrated on Nov.
27th in the same year. Bro. Goldsboro, P.P.G.W., performed
the Ceremony of Consecration. Its first W.M., Bro. Bryce
Smith, who is still living, had been W.M. of the Salopian Lodge
of Charity in the previous year, and was one of the founders of
the Shrewsbury Lodge of Instruction in 1862. In 1890 it num-
bered 33 subscribing members.

List op Masters.

1866-7— Bryce Smith, P.P.G.J.D.

1867-8— Henry Woolner, P.P.G.S. of W.

1868-9 — James Procter.

1869-70- Alexander Grant.

1870-1— F. G. Yates.

1871-2 — James Bates.

1872-3— Robert Anslow.

18734— Thomas G. Thursfield.

1874-5 — Edward Lawrence.

1875-6— John Machin, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1876-7— J. 0. W. Lister, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1877-8— Sir C. B. H. Soame, Bart., P.G.J. W.

1878-9— Thomas Morgan.

1879-80-James Smart, P.P.G.O.

1880-1— Matthew Garbett.

1881-2— George Stevenson, P.P.G. Std. B.

1882-3— William Taylor.

1883-4— Henry Stubbs.

1884-5— Louis E. WoUstein, P.P.G.S.D.

1885-6— John Jenks, P.P.G. Std. B.

1886-7— Thomas J. Barnett, P.P.G. Std. B.

1888-9— Frederick Chubb, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1889-90-Tom Machin, P.G.D. of C.

1890-1— Rev. J. T. W. Claridge, P.P.G.C.

1891-2— Thomas Allen, P.G. Steward.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSIIIKE. 85

THE LODGE OF THE MARCHES, LUDLOW, 611.

In the year 1791, a Lodge was warranted by Thomas
Dunckerley, at Kington, in Herefordshire, of which county he
was then P.G.M. It was called the Silurian Lodge, 576, but
this number was in the following year altered to 485. It
originally met at the Sun Inn, but subsequently removed to the
Kings's Head. Its first Master was Charles James, who in 1791
visited the Salopian Lodge, and was then described as W.M. of
the Kinton Lodge. The names of 35 members only appear on
the Grand Lodge Register, the last of these being registered in
1796, in which year also the last payment to Grand Lodge was
made. Its subsequent fate is described in the following passages
taken from " A History of Kington, by a Member of the
Mechanics Institute of Kington.'' "This Lodge continued in
existence till the year 1800, and then separated, and divided the
cash among the brethren ; the Lodge furniture was sold in the
year 1804 by the Treasurer to a person in Ludlow for the sum of
twenty-two pounds and ten shillings." A List of the Officers
given by the same writer, shows that Lodges under the care of
Dunckerley followed the usual practice of the " Moderns,'' and
did not appoint Deacons. In the same year that the Silurian
Lodge was founded, we know that ShirreiF, then D.P.G.M. for
Shropshire, was in correspondence with a Captain Bridgewaters
about the foundation of a Lodge at Ludlow. The project was
however abandoned, and I know of no reference to Masonry in
that town till the year 1805. There can be little doubt, however,
that the purchase of the jewels and furniture of the Silurian
Lodge before alluded to, was made in contemplation of the
foundation of the Mercian Lodge in Ludlow, which took place in
that year. At all events it is a fact that these articles passed
immediately into the possession of the new Lodge. In addition,
the warrant of the defunct Lodge was transferred to the Mercian

FREEMASONRY IN

Lodge. This practice of transferring warrants, instead of issuing
new ones was a consequence of a statute, passed in 1799, directed
against secret societies. Existing Lodges of Freemasons were
specially exempted from its operation, but the act was construed
as prohibiting the foundation of new ones. To evade this Law,
both Grand Lodges were accustomed to issue transfers of the
warrants of extinct Lodges to brethren desirous of forming fresh
ones, and such transfers were supposed to legalise the existence
of the new Lodges. It is evident that such transfers implied no
necessary connection between the two bodies ; indeed it rarely
happens that so close a connection can be traced as in the case
under examination. In addition to possessing the same warrant,
jewels, and furniture,, the two Lodges had at least one member
in common, in the person of the Rev. John Thomcis, of Lucton.
The Mercian Lodge met at the Angel Inn; its number, 485,
derived from the Silurian Lodge, was, at the Union in 1813,
changed to 528. The Grand Lodge Register shows a total of 27
names registered. Its active existence terminated shortly after
1826, though it was not formerly erased till 1832. Towards the
close of its career of active existence, its list of members was very
small, and there is a tradition in the Lodge of the Marches, that
its members resolved not to initiate another candidate. At all
events it seems that the Lodge deliberately put an end to its own
existence, as, in a book containing its by-laws, an entry was made
in the year 1864, apparently on the authority of Bro. G.
Anderson, that it was dissolved on the 21st October, 1828.
Bro. G. Anderson was a mem^ber of the Mercian Lodge, and he
with three other members, namely — J. GriflBths, B. Urwick, and
H. Whittall, was aUve in the year 1853. Through their instru-
mentality, the warrant, jewels, and furniture of the Silurian and
Mercian Lodges were preserved, but unfortunately their care did
not extend to the records, which are entirely lost, with the excep-
tion of the book of by-laws before referred to. This book contains
nothing particularly worthy of notice, though it is justly prfeed
by the members of the Lodge of the Marches, in whose possession
it now is, as an heirloom of their Masonic predecessors in Ludlow.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 87

The last mentioned Lodge was founded in the year 1853,
probably as a consequence of the great revival of the Craft
experienced in this Province upon the appointment of Sir Watkin
W. Wynn to the post of P.G.M., stimulated by the knowledge of
the existence of the jewels and furniture of the old Lodges.
These interesting relics of antiquity, now used by the Lodge of
the Marches, are as follows — 3 chairs, 3 pedestals, 3 mauls,
3 candlesticks, the collar jewels of the W.M., S.W., J.W.,
Treasurer, and Secretary, an old Master Mason's apron, printed
from an engraved plate, and a large Past Master's Jewel set with
brilliants, presented to Bro. J. B. Morris, of the Mercian Lodge,
in 1815. In addition, the Lodge has been recently presented by
the Rev. H. Brown with a handsome glass goblet, made for the
Silurian Lodge in 1791. The name of the Lodge of the Marches
is, of course, derived from the old name for those districts on the
borders of Wales, of which Ludlow was the centre, where rapine
and civil brawls between Welsh and English formerly held full
sway. Its original number was 887, altered in 1863 to 611.
The Golden Lion Hotel was its first home ; it was consecrated on
the 13th of June, 1853, by Bro. Guise (262), Pro. G.C., in the
presence of the P.G.M. and his Deputy the Rev. E. H. Dymock.
The occasion was regarded by the whole town as an important
function, as we read that the P.G.M. "arrived by special train
amidst the firing of cannon, and the ringing of the bells of St.
Laurence Church." One of the first acts of the brethren was to
elect all members of the late Mercian Lodge members of their new
Lodge, upon payment only of Grand Lodge fees. Whether these
old members had anything to do with the foundation of the Lodge
of the Marches cannot now be ascertained, but as a body they
probably had not. Since its foundation this Lodge has continued
to prosper, and now possesses more subscribing members than
any Lodge in the Province ; it is honourably known for its large
subscriptions to the cause of Charity, and for the success of its
Mafeonic festivities. It has also, I imagine, succeeded in estab-
lishing a record in this era of records, inasmuch as at the P.G.
Lodge held in Ludlow in September of the present year (1891),

88 FREEMASONRY IN

no less than 31 of its members were present. It may, perhaps,
not be out of place, if I here acknowledge, with the deepest grati-
tude, the kindness of Bro. T. J. Salwey in allowing me to peruse
and make extracts from his M.S. History of his Mother Lodge,
which will, I sincerely hope, some day assume the more permanent
form which it assuredly deserves.

List of Masters.

1853— J. Bach.

1854— W. M. Beddoes.

1855 — J. B. James.

1856— J. B. James.

1857— W. E. Curtis, P.P.G.S.D.

1858— W. E. Curtis.

1859— P. Newman, P.P.G.S. of W.

I860— W. Jellicorse.

1861— W. M. Beddoes.

1862— W. M. Beddoes.

1863— P. Newman, P.P.G.S. of W.

1864— W. C. Johnson.

1865— W. C. Johnson.

1866— F. Cox, P.P.G. Steward.

1867— W. Powell, P.P.G. Std. B.

1868— J. M. KUvert, P.P.G. Steward.

1869— E. J. Partridge.

1870— W. Powell, P.P.G.Std. B.

1871— F. Cox, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1872— H. Jones.

1873— Alfred Marston, P.P.G. Steward.

1874— Alfred Marston.

1875— J. Peacock.

1876— C. J. Bowles.

1877— J. P. Challoner.

1878— J. Roberts, P.P.G.R.

1879— T. Roberts.

1880— R. Cross.

1881— J. H. Williams, P.P.G.J.D.

1882— W. Putman, P.P.G.S.D.

1883— J E. Brooks, P.P.G.S.W.

1884— W. Norton, P.P.G A. P.

1885— Arthur Marston, P.P.G S D.

1886— R. G. Venables, D.P.G.M.

1887— R. G. Venables, P.A.G.D. of C. (Eng.)

1888— W. E. Sharp, P.P.G.P.

1889— R. McBean, P.P.G. Steward.

1890— R. McBean, P G.P.

1891— C. "W. Wicksted, P.G.S.W.

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIRE.

GRAND LODGE REGISTER

MEMBERS OF THE MERCIAN LODGE, LUDLOW, 526

(erased 1832.)

Date of
Initiation,

1805, Nov. 5th

1806, Nov. 26tli

1807, Nov. 10th

1810, Nov. 6th
1812, Dec. 15th

1813
1813, Jan. 12th
1813, April 13th
1813, June 8th
1815, Jan. 24th

1818, Dec.

1820, June 24th

Name.

Morris, B. Jno.
Wellings, Edward
Lloyd, Henry
Russell, Richard
Griffiths, Thomas
Acton, Samuel
Anderson, George
Rogers, Edward
Urwick, Benjamin
Davies, James
Meyrick, Thomas

Whittal, Henry
Greenhouse, John
Wakefield, Richard
Whitney, William
Thomas, John
Wellings, Henry
Wellings, Thomas
Price, James

Cooke, John

Massey, Jonathan
Bryan, William
Bryan, Richard

Dansey,Geo. Henry

Harley, Edward

Profession.

Attorney

1821, June 30th
1821, Sept. 24th|22

Residence.
Ludlow

Bookseller

Glover

Attorney

Esquire

Tanner

Glover

Dancing

Master
Druggist
Currier
Surgeon
Innholder
Currier
Bank Clerk
Woolstapler
Mercer

Farmer

Gentleman
Woolstapler

Gentleman
Lord

Hay, Breck-
nockshire
Brampton

Brian
Ludlow
Spode
Long Road,

Radnorshire
Ludlow, from

29, London
Brampton

Brian, from

711, Oxford
Ludlow

26 Dansey, Ed. ColUns Lieut. R.N.
[Griffiths, Thomas Stationer

This Register was commenced in 1813 and does not contain
some names that were entered in the earlier Register kept
between 1805 and 1813.

90 FREEMASONRY IN

LODGE OF ST. JOHN, WELLINGTON, 60L

After the extinction of the old Wrekin Lodge in 1798,
the district around Wellington remained in a state of Masonic
darkness till the year 1852. In that year the Lodge of St. John
was established at Admaston, its founders being almost all mem-
bers of one or other of the Shrewsbury Lodges. Its warrant is
dated the 27th April, and the brethren mentioned therein are —
J. W. Towers, H. Evett, Henry Lewis, Robert P. Weston, W.
Patchett, William Field, and John Broughall. Reference has
been already made to its consecration, and the installation of
Bro. Towers as its first Master. In the minute book of the
Lodge Bro. Goode is stated to have been the first to occupy the
chair, and I cannot account for the discrepancy between this
account and that given by the Provincial Grand Lodge Minute
book. The contradictory statements are both precise and definite.
As, however, the consecration of the Lodge was delayed by the
non-arrival of the Warrant from May 17th, the day originally
fixed, until June 16th, I think we may conclude that Bro. Goode
was installed on the former and Bro. Towers on the latter date,
the Provincial Grand Ofiicers being present on both occasions.
The correctness of the appended list of past masters must depend
in part on this conclusion being accurate. In 1857 owing to a
dispute with the caterer, the Lodge was removed to Wellington,
where it has ever since remained. In the early history of the
Lodge two of its members were most conspicuously identified with
its prosperity. I allude to Bros. T. C. Eyton and William
Anslow. The former presented the Lodge with a Cairngorm
Snuff Box, which is almost unique, the pebble being of almost
abnormal size. The services of Bro. Anslow to the Lodge were
considerable, amongst them I may mention that he acted as
Installing Master for 10 successive years, from 18-57-1867. The

THE PUOVINCE OF SHROPSIIIRB. 91

brethren were not ungrateful for his eiforts, and, after his death,
placed in the church of All Saints, Wellington, two memorial
windows, one on each side of the chancel, in commemoration of
their regard for him. These windows are of stained glass, bear-
ing respectively life size figures of St. John the Baptist, and St.
John the Evangelist. On the pedestal on which these figures
are depicted as standing, the following words are placed in stained
glass — " To the Glory of God, and in memory of William Anslow
of Eyton." A brass plate at the foot of each window bears this
inscription — " To the memory of WiUiam Anslow of Eyton this
and the corresponding window on the other side of the Chancel
were presented to the Parish Church by his brother Freemasons
and other friends in affectionate remembrance, and as a token of
their respect and esteem. Born 24th Octr. 1825, departed this
life 23rd Octr., 1867." In later days Bro. Rowland Millington,
who has now been Secretary of the Lodge for more than quarter
of a century, has done good and useful work. Some years ago
he was presented by the Lodge with an exceedingly handsome
clock, as a token of gratitude. The Banner of the Lodge bears
upon it an oil painting of St. John, copied from one of the
memorial windows above mentioned — the silver letters and minia-
ture working tools with which it is adorned, were the work of the
donor, Bro. Roff King, during the year 1877 in which he filled
the Chair. The Lodge is now one of the smallest in the Province,
and it is a matter of regret, that the Brethren, inheriting as they
do traditions of good work, should not seek more vigorously to
inci'ease its strength.

List op Masters.
1852— B. W. Goode.
1853— J. W. Towers, P.P.G. Swd. B.
1854— T. C. Eyton, P.P.G.S.W. ,
1855— H. Evett, P.P.G.D. of C.
1856— William Anslow, P.P.G. Swd. B.
1857— Isaac Knowles, P.P.G.S.D.
1858— K G, Belliss, P.P.G. Steward.

^2 fREEllASOI^RY IJf

1859— William Howlet.

I860— J. Barber, P.P.G.D, of C.

1861— T. C. Eyton, P.P.G.S.W.

1862— W. B. Hayley, P.P.G.S. of W.

1863 — John Hooper.

1864— J. L. Randal, P.P.G.S.W.

1865— Rowland Millington, P.P.G.J.D.

1866— S. J. Fellows, P.P.G.D. of C.

1867— A. R. Britton, P.P.G.S.

1868— J. H. Slaney, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1869— E. Bagaley.

1870— W. Dallow.

1871— A. Taylor.

1872— H. Shepard, P.P.G.J.D.

1873-E. J. Webb, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1871— F. B. Higgison.

1875 — R. J. Acton.

1876— John Adams, P.P.G. Steward.

1877— Roff King, P.P.G.S.W.

1878— J. Brookes.

1879— Rev. A. J. Von Straubenzee, P.P.G.C.

1880— J. Greene.

1881— J. R. Poole.

1882— J. Millington, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1883— W. T. Parkins.

1881— J. Smith, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1885— Rowland Millington, P.P.G.J.D.

1886— E. R. Millington.

1887— E. A. Hicks, P.P.G.R.

1888— E. A. Hicks, P.P.G.R.

1889— Roff King, P.P.G.S.W.

1890— H. Shepard, P.P.G.J.D.

1891— R. J. Acton.

tHE Province op shuopshiue.

GRAND LODGE REGISTER

OP THE

WREKIN LODGE, WELLINTON, 445 (erased 1798.)

Name.

Age.

Profession.

Residence.

When
Initiated

Henry Y. Carter

Surgeon

Wellington

5,1,1790

John Ridding

Innkeeper

Frederick Ridding

Gentleman

18,1,90

Thomas Webb

Innkeeper

26,2,90

William Webb

))

Richard D. Phillips

Attorney

10,8,90

George Collier

21,8,90

Edmund Nash

27,9,90

Thomas Jones

Surgeon

))

Robert Meek

Mercer

22,10,90

WilHam Davis

Gentleman

15,7,91

94 FREEMASONllY IN

THE EYTOX CHAPTER, WELLINGTON, 601.

This Chapter was established soon after the foundation of
the Lodge of St. John, its Charter being dated the 1st August,
1855. It was at first composed almost entirely of members of
that Lodge and of the Salopian Lodge; the latter of whom joined
for the purpose of getting it into good working order. After the
foundation of the Lodge of St. Milburga, 1120, its recruits were
however largely drawn from Ironbridge. After the first few
years of its existence it was for a considerable period somewhat
irregular in its meetings. Blanks occur in its Minute books from
October, 1861 to April, 1863 ; from January, 1866 to July, 1867 ;
from January, 1868 to October, 1869; and from October, 1870
to January, 1873. The list of its P.Z's is therefore for several
years incomplete. During this period the Chapter was greatly
indebted to the services of Companion Bristow, of Dudley, who
filled the principal chair during the performance of nearly all the
ceremonies. These services were suitably acknowledged by the
presentation to Companion Bristow of a very valuable gold snuff
box. From about the year 1877, however, the Chapter seems to
have taken a fresh lease of life, and from that time its meetings
have been regularly held, and its ceremonies carried through
without any extraneous aasistance. It now numbers about 20
subscribing members.

P.Z's

1855-6— G. Marriott.
1856-7— W. Brightwelh

1858 — T. C. Eyton.

1859 — W. Anslow.

1860 — R. G. Belliss.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 95

1861— J. L. Randal.

1862—

1863—

1864— W. Anslow.

1865— H. Evett.

1866— W. B. Hayley.

1867—

1868— J. Barber.

1869—

1870— R. Millington.

1871—

1872—

1873— R. Millington.
1874— R. Millington.

1875— J. Barber.

1876— J. H. Slaney.

1877— H. Shepard.

1878 — J. Bodenham.

1879— R. Anslow.

1880— R. Jackson.

1881— Roff King.

1882— Sir C. B. H. Soame, Bart.

1883 — Rev. A. J. Von Straubenzee.

1884— J. C. W. Lister.

1885- W. T. Parkins.

18S6 — J. Smart.

1887— E. A. Hicks,

1888— T. Machin.

1889— H. Shepard.

1890— J. C. W. Lister.

1891— T. C. Bird.

96 FREEMASONRY IN

THE SALOPIAN LODGE OF CHARITY, 117.

On. February Sth, 1768, a Warrant was granted by the
"Atholl" or "Ancient" Grand Lodge, for the formation of a
Lodge numbered 153 in the 13th Regiment of Foot. No returns
were made from this Lodge to Grand Lodge after 1776, and it
then, doubtless, became extinct. In the year 1809 a meeting of
several brethren in the Regiment of the Shropshire Militia, then
stationed at Eastbourne, was held for the purpose of establishing
a Lodge in that Regiment. A Warrant was eventually granted
on March 22nd, 1810, by the "Ancient" Grand Lodge, the
number given to the new Lodge (153) being that of the extinct
Lodge in the 13th Regiment. Upon this identity of numbers
has been founded the theory that there was some connection
between the old and the new Lodge, and that the latter was in
someway the continuation of the former. No such connection, in
my opinion, ever existed; at all events it certainly cannot be
proved. The fact appears to be that this grant of an old Lodge
number to a new Lodge, is only another instance of the various
devices invented by both the rival Grand Lodges to evade the
provisions of the Act directed against Secret Societies. In my
outline of the history of the Lodge of the Marches, 611,1 have
pointed out the scope of that statute, and have shown that a
transfer by endorsement of the Warrant of a defunct Lodge, was
one of these devices. In the case under consideration we see
another artifice which was sometimes adopted, viz., the grant of
a new Warrant bearing an old number, "the latent (!) powers of
extinct Lodges being revived for entirely new and distinct
organizations."(i) A study of the Warrant granted as above
mentioned, and of the minute books of the Lodge then created,
shows that they contain not the slightest reference to the older

(1) Lane's Handy Book to the List of Lodges, p. 113.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 97

Military Body, on the contrary they are in themselves suflScient
evidence of the creation of an absolutely new Lodge. As a proof
of my statement in this respect I here give the first entry in the
minute book verbatim.

"East Bourne, 2nd Oct., 1809.
At A Friendly Meeting of Brothers of Ancient Free-Masonry—
The Following Brothers signed their Names "With the following
sums Opposite Each, and agree to Meet Once a Fortnight from
this Date to subscribe Each Regularly to raise a sum

sufficient to Obtain a warrant to hold a Lodge in the Shropshire
Regiment of Militia, viz." — (Here follows the names of 20
brethren, with various sums after their names)
I may add that the fact that No. 153, the old Military Lodge in
13th Regt., was continued on the Roll of the Atholl Grand
Lodge until the present century, is no proof of the continued
existence of the Lodge beyond the period of its last return in
1776. Numerous instances could be quoted of Lodges, undoubt-
edly defunct, whose numbers were similarly retained on the roll.
Grand Lodge supervision was in former days far from being close
or exhaustive. In the year 1811 the Lodge had a seal engraved
with this motto round it — "The Salopian Lodge of Charity." —
This name it has ever since retained. In the year 1813, after
the Union, its number was changed to 186, and it then passed
under the same Grand Lodge jurisdiction as the Salopian Lodge
262. In the history of the latter Lodge I have shown the
method in which the numbers on the Registers of the respective
Grand Lodges were dealt with at the Union. I need here only
remark that the precedence on the roll of its own Grand Lodge
gained by the Salopian Lodge of Charity in 1810, by the grant
of a low number to which it was not entitled by its age, was in
1814 preserved and continued on the roll of the United Grand
Lodge, and it is now 145 places higher than 262, though 22 years
junior tothat Lodge. In the Constitutions for 1734 it is laid
down that " The Precedency of Lodges is grounded on the
Seniority of their Constitution." That equitable principle is
violated in the case of 117 and 262, as well as in numerous

FEEEMASONET IN

instances elsewhere throughout the kingdom. Nothing but the
extreme exigencies of the case at the beginning of the present
century, through parliamentary interference, could have justified
such unfairness to the older Lodges: In the Province, however,
the age of a Lodge as recorded in the books of the Province, and
not its number, gives precedence, and so in the roll of Provincial
Lodges the Salopian Lodge of Charity ranks after 262, as the
second senior Lodge. Between the years 1810-15 the Lodge
followed the Regiment in which it was founded, and records of
meetings in Gosport, Stonehouse, Ennis, Limerick, and Dublin
still exist. One effect of this visit of the Lodge to Ireland was
that the members became infected with a leaning towards
Knights' Templarism, then much in vogue amongst our Irish
Military brethren. " This order, then known as ' Black Masonry,'
was propagated, to a large extent, through Charters issued by
the ' High Knights' Templars of Ireland,' — a body of Freemasons
in Dublin, who were constituted by Mother Kilwinning (Scotland)
in 1779, for the practice of the Craft Degrees."'^) In 1813
application was made to the Mother Lodge to authorize the
transfer of a ' Black "Warrant ' from Knights of the Temple and
of Malta, in the Westmeath Militia, to brethren in the same
degree serving in the Shropshire Militia. But the Lodge of
Kilwinning (Scotland), in reply to the ' Sir Knights ' of the
latter regiment, repudiated the existence of any maternal tie
between herself and any Society of Masonic Knighthood, and
confessed her inability to ' communicate upon Mason business
farther than the Three Steps.' The minute books do not contain
the slightest allusion to this application, or to the Order referred
to, and it is probable that the return of the Lodge to England
speedily banished all desire for further information in this .
direction.

After its wanderings the Lodge finally settled down in
Shi'ewsbury in 1815, doubtless owing to the disembodiment of

(1) Gould's History, vol. iii., p. 44 and note.

Lyon History of Mother Kilwinning (Freemasons Magazine, Felj. IGth,
1805, p. 114.

THE PEOVINCE OP SHROPSIIIUE. 99

tiie Militia after Waterloo, and the consequent return of its
jnembers to their native county. Between 1816-1819 it continued
the practice, persisted in siiy;e its constitution, of initiating
civilians. Being a Military Lodge, such a practice was distinctly
illegal, and drew upon the Lodge the scrutiny of Grand Lodge, (i)
The offence was forgiven in due course, and in 1820 (June 23)
the Lodge exchanged its Military Warrant for a civil one.

The minutes from April Uth, 1819 to January 27th, 1830
are missing, but the Register of Initiations during that period
is still in existence, and Grand Lodge records show beyond all
doubt that the Lodge continued working as usual. In 1832 its
number, 186, was at the general re-numbering of the Lodges
altered to 135.

The practice of " Passing the Chair," which is explained
in the Salopian Lodge History '2) was frequently adopted by the
Salopian Lodge of Charity. At the Union it was declared to be
no longer necessary as a preliminary to exaltation in the Royal
Arch, but an instance occurs in this Lodge so late as 27th
December, 1836, upon which occasion "Bros. Drinkwater, Owen,
and Pool passed the Chair," and paid a fee of 5/- for doing so.
This persistence in an old custom, affords an excellent example of
the conservative tendencies of the members of a Lodge, unwilling
to abandon practices, however unnecessary, which had been in
vogue amongst their Masonic Ancestors. It is doubtful whether
or not these brethren " passed the chair " for the purpose of
being exalted ; most probably they did not. The only Chapter
then in the Province was one in connection with the Lodge of
Industry in Bridgnorth, of which they are not registered as
members in Grand Chapter. The members of 135 were,
however, clearly aware of its existence, and sometimes availed
themselves of the opportunities that existence afforded them, as
may be seen from the following minute — " Monday, Jan. 6th,
1834, A commitey assembled at Bro. Curton's (?Cureton) con-

(1) See Salopian Lodge History for year 1819.

(3) See year 1780 ; where the nature o£ the ceremony is indicated.

100 I'REEMASOifRY IN

cerning some brothers going to Bridgnorth to be exalted, the
Brethren pressant agread that our W. Master Dodd should be
Lent £i from the fund of the Lodge and to Pay it back When
Called for." Bros. Dodd and Powis, the latter of whom was also
a member of 135, were exalted together on Feb. 12th in the same
year, and their names are registered in Grand Chapter. There
is no other mention of the Boyal Arch in the minute books, and
the Lodge seems to have taken no part in the foundation of the
present Chapter in Shrewsbury, attached to 262 in the year 184.3.
The next event worthy of note was the amalgamation of the
Lodge with 262, in the year 1851. This subject has been treated
fully in connection with the latter Lodge, and need not here be
further considered.

On Nov. 6th, 1862, a Lodge of Instruction was established
under the auspices and direction of the Lodge. Its founders
were Thomas Phillips, W.M., 135, Bryce Smith, 135, Edward
Burd, J.W., 135-328, William Stanway, S.W., 135-328, Richard
Lewis, P.M., 135, Richard Nicchols, W.M., 328. Of these Bros.
Bryce Smith, E. Burd, and Richard Lewis, of Wrexham, are
still alive. It was originally called the Wyrmstay Lodge of
Instruction — Wynnstay being the residence of the R.W.P.G.M.
This word was dropped from the title of the Lodge in the year
1887, shortly after the division of the Province. The Lodge is
now available for both the Shrewsbury Lodges, but still remains
entirely under the management of 117. The W.M.'s of the
two Lodges generally take the chair on alternate days of meeting
and rehearse the ceremonies to be performed in their respective
Lodges. A series of able and diligent Directors of Ceremonies
have kept the working of the Lodge at a high state of perfection,
and its influence has been most marked in promoting the efficiency
of Lodge ceremonial in Shrewsbury. Bro. T. P. Deakin, P.M. is
the present D. of C, and in his hands the Lodge traditions of
careful and accurate work are fully maintained. It would be
a matter of congratulation if his views as to the Lodge beinw one
of Instruction rather than of Rehearsal could in the future

*HE PEOVlNCE OF SHROPSHIRE. lOl

obtain the practical expression which they undoubtedly deserve.
The number 135 was changed to 117 in 1863, since which date
no re-numbering of the Lodges has taken place. Shropshire
Masons will cordially admit, that the Salopian Lodge of Charity
has always taken its proper place in all that concerns the Craft
in the Province ; it has for years been in a most flourishing state,
and now possesses about 45 subscribing members. Not the
least of its good works has been the foundation of the Whit-
church Lodge in 1889, thus reflecting back, as it were, the
" Light,'' which, just a century before, had shone from that town
to illuminate the darkness of Shrewsbury.

List of Masters.

1810 — James Mansfield.

I James Mansfield.
181W Thomas Baugh.
( John Cheese.

1812— John Cheese.

1813— John Price.

1814— John Dibbin.

1815— John Dibbin.

isifi i Robert Taylor.
^°^° ( Richard Pritchard.

, „, Y ( Richard Pritchard.
I James Mansfield.

1818 — James Mansfield.

1819 — James Mansfield.

1820-1829— No Records.

1830— Patrick Kean.

1831— Richard C. Hughes.

1832— James Mansfield.

1833— William Dodd.

1834— William Dodd.

1835 — John Humphreys.

1836— Samuel Lea.

1837 — Samuel Lea.

1 838 —Evan Owen.

102 FKEEIIASONEY IN

1839— Evan Owen.

1810— George Maxon.

1841 — Richard P. Drink water.

1812 — Joseph Sharrod.

184-3 — George Maxon.

1844— Thomas Onions, P.P.G.R.

1845— Thomas Onions, P.P.G.R.

1846 — George Maxon.

1847 — Richard P. Drinkwater (never acted).

1848— Thomas Onions, P.P.G.R.

1849— John Leohe Rowland, P.P.G.S.W.

1850— John Watton.

1851— John Nigel Heathcote, P.P.G.J.W.

1852 — John Leche Rowland ? (No record, being year of
amalgamation.)

1853— William Patchett, P.P.G.S. of W.

1854— Thomas Onions, P.P.G.R.

1855— Joshua Pugh White, P.P.G.S.W.

1856— James R. Pickering, P.P.G.P.

1857— Joshua Pugh White, P.P.G.S.W.

1858— Henry Atkin, P.P.G.P.

1859- Richard Lewis, P.P.G. Std. B.

1860— Richard Lewis, P.P.G. Std. B.

1861— John Lawrence Randal, P.P.G.S.W.

1862— Thomas Phillips.

1863— William Stanway, P.P.G.P.

1864— Edward Burd, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1865— Bryce Smith, P.P.G.J.D.

1866— Charles Fleet.

1867— Francis Fletcher, P.P.G.D. of C.

1868 -Edward H. Hankey, P.P.G.R.

1869— John Evans.

1870 — Joseph Cresswell.

1871— Philip H. -Evans, P.P.G.A.D. of C.

1872— Horatio M. Jones.

1873— Edward H. Hankey, P.P.G.R.

THE PROVINCE OE SHROPSHIRE. 103

1874— John Bishop Boucher, P.P.G.O.

1875— John Briscoe Bagnall, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1876— John Briscoe Bagnall, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1877— William Spraggon, P.P.G. A.D. of C.

1878— William B. Morris.

1879— Thomas Warren Thompson, P.P.G.D. of C.

1880— William E. Litt.

1881— Vincent Corbet Legh Crump, P.G. Treas.

1882— James Vine, P.P.G.S. of W.

1883— John Blockley, P.P.G.S. of W.

1881: — Thomas Pidduck Deakin, P.G. Assistant Sec.

1885— Thomas Challoner Royle, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1886— William Belton, P.P.G.S.D.

1887— A. Silver Townsend, P.P.G.S. of W.

1888— Herbert Major, P.P.G.A.D. of 0.

1889— Alfred B. Deakin, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1890— William Adams, P.G.A.D. of C.

1891 — Benjamin Blower, P.G. Steward.

1892— William Baxter.

I have done my best to render this list accurate, but,
owing to minute book irregularities, I cannot guarantee the
absolute correctness of some of the earlier names.

104 FREEMASONRY IN

HISTORY OF THE SALOPIAN LODGE, 262.

Section I. (1788—1813).

The Salopian Lodge can only claim to have attained an
eminently respectable age. Nothing in connection with its
history is a matter of speculation, as is so often the case with
respect to Lodges boasting of their antiquity. Its origin, con-
stitution, and progress are faithfully recorded in its own minute
books, which have, except for one short period of five years, been,
in the main, carefully kept since the date of its foundation, and
form the chief source from which my information has been
derived. I propose to let these minute books, as far as possible,
tell their own story, and for that purpose copious extracts from
them will be given, such explanations and additions only being
inserted as will make them intelligible. I have also thought it
best to place these extracts in proper chronological order, so that
a glance at the margin of each page will show the year to which
my remarks are intended to apply.

The Warrant of the Lodge, of which an exact copy
1788. is given in Appendix A, is dated the 13th day of May,
1788. It constituted certain brethren, namely, William
Neale, Thomas Barkley, William Cottom, John Beck, John
Brackley Prichard, John Hall, and other brethren residing in or
near the town of Shrewsbury, into a regular Lodge, under the
title of the Salopian Lodge, No. 1, to be opened at a House
known by the sign of the Fox. William Neale was appointed
W.M , Thomas Barkley, S.W., and William Cottom, J.W. The
Rev. Francis Henry Egerton was then P.G.M. for Shropshire,
Major Charles Shirreff being his Deputy, and it was the latter
who procured the Warrant for the Lodge. It will be noticed
from a perusal of the Warrant that it was issued by the authority

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 105

of the P.G.M., though never actually signed by him,
and the Salopian Lodge, like many others, especially in 1788.
Yorkshire, has never possessed any full Warrant from
Grand Lodge. Bro. John Beck was a Banker and Wine Mer-
chant, and Bro. Cottom was Landlord of the Trumpet' Inn, liut
with these two exceptions nothing certain appears to be known
of the founders, their history, or occupations. Various conjectures
will however be found opposite their names in the full list of
members contained in Appendix D, such conjectures having been
made in the manner hereafter indicated.

The minute of the Urst recorded Lodge runs as follows : — •
" By virtue of a Dispensation from the P.G.M. for
Shropshire, A Lodge of Free and accepted Masons was
held at the Fox Inn, in Shrewsbury, 3rd July, 1788.
Peesekt.
William Neale, Master.
Thomas Barkley, Senior Warden.
WilHam Cottom, Junior Warden.
John Beck, Treasurer.
John Brackley Prichard, Secretary.
John Hall, Senior Deacon.
Edward Innys, Junior Deacon.
Michael Kavanah, Tyler.
Membep.s.
Alexander Keate
Visitors.
Bro. Fitzsimmons, Master; Bro. Thornton, & Bro. Cockburn,
Officers ; & Bro. Narcesso; Members of Barry Lodge. Bro. John
Gellion from Chester, & Bro. William Cartwright.
Proceedings.
Bro. E. T. Smith was raised to the Sublime Degree of
Master Mason.

Resolved — That a Code of Bye Laws be prepared for the
good Rule and Government of this Lodge."

This resolution was speedily carried into effect, as a code

106 PREEMASONET IN

of by-laws was submitted to the Lodge on August 20th,
1788. and being then approved of, they were ordered to be

copied in the Minute Book, and signed by the Members.
On an examination of the names appended in pursuance of this
order, it will be seen that many brethren must have disregarded
it. Even the name of Bro. Smith who had just been raised, is
conspicuous by its absence, but this is probably explained by the
fact that he was in the Royal Navy, and evidently left Shrews-
bury soon after he was raised, as his name never appears again
in the minutes. A copy of these by-laws will be found in
Appendix 0, and from them considerable knowledge of the
managemsnt of the Lodge is derived. Its meetings were held at
the Fox Inn, on the first Tuesday in every month in the year.
In the winter months the Brethren met at 6 o'clock, and remained
together till 9, whilst in the summer months these hours were
8 and 10 respectively. It was specially forbidden that any
brother should remain in the Lodge Room after 11 p.m., under
a penalty of 2s. 6d. for each offence. The Officers, amongst
whom it must be especially noticed were included Deacons, were
elected on the lodge night preceding the Festival of St. John the
Evangelist (Dec. 27th), upon which day they entered upon their
respective offices. It is curious to note that the two Wardens
were elected by the Lodge, and not chosen by the Master. On
the other hand, the Master had the power of appointing Com-
mittees to enquire into any necessary business, a power which has
recently been thought to have lapsed by disuse. There is a
delicate euphemism contained in the by-law which provides that
the Master shall fine any brother who shall enter the Lodge
disguised in liquor in the sum of one shilling and order him to
depart the Lodge. No record exists of the Master being obliged
to use the authority thus confided to his hands. The expense of
holding a Lodge of Emergency was borne by the person for whose
benefit it was called. Passings and raisings were intended to be
performed only in such Lodges, and the candidates were liable
for the necessary outlay. The election of members was by
petition, followed by a proposal in open lodge, and an approval

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 107

by ballot as at present. Unanimity was, however, nec-
essary, as a single black bean was sufficient to exclude any 1788.
proposed candidate. The fee payable on initiation was
£2 15s. Od., which included 5s. for registration in Grand Lodge,
2s. Gd. for the Lodge Secretary, and Is. 6d. for the Tyler. A
further sum of half-a-guinea was payable on the performance of
each of the ceremonies of passing and raising. From the Treasurer's
accounts we find that for at least 5 years, the Hon. (?) Secretary
received this fee of 2s. 6d. as a matter of course. The subscription
of members was Is. a month for the funds of the Lodge, and Is. 6d.
a night for refreshments ; these payments were collected monthly.
Visitors were always required to pay the subscription of Is. 6d.
for refreshments, and also the sum of Is. to the funds of the
Lodge, unless they were subscribers to some other Lodge. This
seems to the present generation of Masons a curious way of
exercising that peculiarly Masonic Virtue Hospitality, but it is
certain that the custom was then a widely diffused one, and not
by any means confined to Shrewsbury. It may be partly explained
by the fact that special invitations to visiting Brethren were in
those days rare, the usual method of invitation being by advertise-
ment in the local journals. It can be easily understood that
Brethren accepting such an invitation might fairly be expected
to pay their own expenses. In addition it may be remarked
that the same visitor's name is often found recorded for several
successive lodges, so that it would appear that the visitors were
generally Masons who did not belong to any other Lodge, or
who were detained in the town for some considerable length of
time, and not brethren from a distance attending for one Lodge
only. It seems only just that those of the former class should
pay as much as regular subscribers, while those of the latter class
were protected by a clause in the same by-law, which provided
that a person visiting the Lodge should be admitted the first
night free of expense.

The account given by the Secretary of the formal Con-
stitution of the Lodge, is contained in the minute of " a Lodge

lOS FREEJIASOSTEY IN

of Emergence held on the 10th Septr., 1788." It records
1788. that "after dining together in perfect harmony the Dep-
uty Provincial Grand (nic) produced and had read the
Warrant for constituting this Lodge, he then installed Bro. Neal
Worshipfull and the rest of his OiBcers. He delivered a most
excellent charge upon the occasion, in which the duties of a Mason
were forcibly expressed, and the beauties and utility of Masonry
were finely exemplified and most judiciously explained." Another
account of the same Ceremony is contained in the Shrewsbuz'y
Chronicle of Sep. 19th, it is as follows — " We hear that last week
the 'New Salopian Lodge of Free Masons was regularly constituted,
and the oificers installed at the Pox Inn in this town, by Major
Charles Shirreff, Deputy Provincial Grand Master for this
County; when an excellent dinner was provided, and the afternoon
spent with that sober hilarity, and with that edifying conversation
which becomes and should always distinguish Pree and Accepted
Masons from men of dissolute and disorderly manners."'

Of Major Shirreff I have already said much in the
previous part of this work in connection with the Province
of Shropshire, but of his special influence upon the Salopian
Lodge in particular, some further details must be given.
I believe that his influence was mainly responsible for a some-
what anomalous feature in the early history of the Lodge.
Constituted, as it was, under the " Moderns," it appears to have
at first regularly adopted as an ordinary part of its system, three
of the features which mainly distinguished "Ancient" from
"Modern" Lodges. These are (1) the appointment of Deacons
(2) the regular Installation of the W.M., and (3) the careful
observance of both the Festivals of St. John (in June and Dec-
ember). Deacons were by no means unknown under the
" Modern " Constitution ; a few lodges might be mentioned
which possessed them in 1788, and in one instance they existed
in a "Modern" Lodge as early as 173i. Nevertheless the
recognized opinion of Masonic Writers seems to be that under
the "Modern" system they were not deemed 6Sse)i<iaZ, whereas

THK PnOVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 109

in "Ancient " Lodges they were invariably appointed.
The fact that by a resolution of the Lodge in 1788.
the year 1791 the ofifice of Deacon was abolished,
would seem to indicate a return to stricter conformity to
the usages of "Modern" Lodges. With regard to the
regular practice of Listallation, I may, without going deeply
into the question, quote from Bro. Sadler's " Masonic
Facts and Fictions" the following passage, (i) which refers to the
year 1810 — "It is therefore perfectly clear,'' he says, "that the
" Moderns " had, certainly for many years, dispensed with the
ceremony of Installation, while their rivals had kept up the old
custom in this respect, as will be seen by a reference to the
extracts from their records." As there is ample evidence that
the Salopian Lodge from its foundation until the year 1793
observed this ceremony, I am, I think, justified in regarding the
practice as a proof of the theory I am advocating. In the year
1810, "The Special Lodge of Promulgation," created for "the
purpose of ascertaining and promulgating the Ancient Land
Marks of the Craft," passed a resolution " that it appears to this
Lodge, that the Ceremony of Installation of Masters of Lodges
is one of the two Landmarks of the Craft, and ought to be
observed." From the date of this resolution, the Ceremony has
been duly observed by all Lodges. A very similar remark may
be. made about the observance of the Festivals, which were
never regarded with as much veneration by the " Moderns " as
by the " Ancients," or celebrated with the same punctiliousness.
It is true such observance was not a necessary part of any form
or ceremony, still its neglect by the " Moderns " was an innova-
tion on established usage, which was never permitted by the
Salopian Lodge. This whole question might be discussed at much
greater length if space allowed, but I hope sufficient has been
said to make my proposition clear, and also to show that the
inference drawn by Bro. Sadler from a perusal of Shirreff's letters,
that he never became "Modernized" in his old age, can be more
fully established by a perusal of the records of my own Lodge.
(1) at page 101.

110

FEEEMASONEY IN

The number of the Lodge in 1788 was 525. . The
1788. Fox Inn was situate on the site of the building

now known as the Working Men's Hall. It had
a fine open courtyard in front of it, to which there were
two ways of approach ; the one from Princess Street, the
other from College Hill ; it had, however, no frontage on
either of these streets. The Landlord was Bro. James Tre-
hearn, who was initiated in 1788. He seems to have been an
excellent caterer, as we find many votes of thanks passed to him
by the Lodge. In permitting him to be a member, a breach of
the Constitutions was made, for it was there provided that " ISTo
Master of a public house or tavern shall be a member of any
lodge held at his house."(i)

The Lodge, having been formally constituted, lost no time
in getting to work. In the first six months of its existence there
are records of 22 lodges having been held, 9 of which are described
as "Lodges of Emergence," and 14 initiations, and a total of 39
ceremonies were performed. These figures go far to show that
the Brethren spared no effort to increase the strength of the
Lodge. Degenerate Shrewsbury Masons of the present day, un-
accustomed to many ceremonies, would shrink from the prospect
of a night's work such as our Masonic Ancestors often went
through. Thus, on July 4th, there were three separate initia-
tions ; on Septr. 8th, and again on Octr. 9th each of the three
degrees was worked through ; on November 11th there were four
initiations; and on Nov. 18th four passings and a raising took
place. Rapidity was also a feature of the Lodge work in this
year. Thus, three brethren, passed on Nov. 11th, were raised
seven days afterwards. In the Book of Constitutions to which
the Lodge was then subject, and which was published in 1784,
there seems to be no express law upon the point, and a duplica-
tion of ceremonies was not illegal, except in the case of making
and raising, which, without a dispensation, could not be performed
on the same evening upon the same candidate. In the

U) Constitutions 1781 Art, ix., p. 388,

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIEB. Ill

Constitutions of 1815, it was, however, provided,
that no candidate should receive a degree at a 1788.
less interval than one month from receiving a
former degree. A rigid adherence to constitutions and by-laws
was often forgotten in early times. For example, we read in a
minute dated Sep. 11th, that "The Rev. George Holland was
proposed a candidate for Masonry, and being approved, had the
honour of being initiated by the Deputy Provincial Grand." If
such a high official in the Graft as Bro. Shirreff could thus tacitly
sanction the violation of the 20th by-law, which provided that
the ballot was not to be taken till the lodge night next after that
upon wliich the proposal was made, it is little wonder that the
lesser officers should not have hesitated to follow his example.
It may be, however, that in this particular instance the act of
irregularity noted carried with it its own dispensation, as it was
committed by the D.P.G.M., who could have given a dispensation
if necessary. Though lax in some respects, in others Bro. Neale
sufficiently upheld and vindicated the authority of the Chair ;
on Nov. 4th, for instance, it is recorded that he fined two
brethren for non-attendance. There is a curious entry under the
same date which runs as follows — " This Evening much to the
honour of the Worshipful Master and Senior Warden, the
diflerence subsisting between them was finally settled." We are
left in the dark as to the cause of this difference, and if and how
far the Lodge acted as Mediator between the parties to it.

On the Feast of St. John the Evangelist we find this
entry — "Visited the Barry Lodge at Bro. Cottoms, when they
returned and spent an hour with us." This visit was paid to the
Trumpet Inn, and is an unique event in the Lodge history. It
will be remembered that the Master and some of the brethren of
the Barry Lodge were present at the opening meeting of the
Salopian Lodge. The Barry Lodge could not be identified at first
with any known Lodge, and considerable difficulty was experi-
enced in accounting for its presence in Shrewsbury. However,
on searching the files of the Shrewsbury Chronicle, the following

112

FREEMASONRY IN

entry was found recorded on June 28th, 1789 — "On
1788. Tuesday last, being the Anniversary of St. John the

Baptist, a body of Freemasons in the 34th regiment
(with a number of very respectable Brothers of this town) walked
in solemn procession, attended by a band of music, from the
Lodge room at the Trumpet Inn, Mardol, to St. Alkmund's
Church.'' This at once indicated that the " Barry " was a Mil-
itary Lodge in the 3-lth regiment, and as such it will be found
recorded in the list contained in Bro. Gould's History of Free-
masonry, (i) In addition to the giving and receiving of Hospit-
ality, the Brethren also practised another great Masonic virtue,
namely Charity. On Dec. 23rd we tind they voted three guineas
for " the charitable purpose of buying coals for the poor of the
town,'' and that sum was accordingly paid to the Mayor.

It is noticeable that many candidates proposed and duly
approved by ballot, never came forward for initiation. It must
not therefore be supposed that the Lodge, even in its infancy,
thankfully received the name of any candidate submitted for
approval. In this year tvro candidates were rejected — One of
these, Thomas Gray, Junr., was black beaned on June 11th, but
apparently in no way discomfited by this rebuff, he succeeded in
getting initiated in some other lodge, and on Oct. 25th was
accepted by 525 as a joining Brother. From the Register in
Grand Lodge it is evident that Bro. Gray was made in the Barry
Lodge. Bros. T. Bassett and AY. Bourlay were also initiated in
the same Lodge.

The average attendance of members during the year was
12, and the greatest number present on any occasion was 19.
Very little information is to be found in the minute books as to
the social position of the members, such details as are available
have been inserted in Appendix D, which is a complete list of
all the members since the foundation of the Lodge. In some
jiistances the statements contained in tliis list are conjectural,
being inserted in consequence of entries on the credit side of

(1) vol. iii , p. 400.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 113

the Treasurer's account. As an example the name of

Bro. S. Harwood may be cited. On December 2nd, 1788.

1788, he appears to have been paid a bill of £1 3s. 6d.

for stationery supplied to the Lodge, and he is accordingly

described in the list as a stationer. This method of arriving

at conclusions is obviously apt to lead to inaccuracy, and has

been used very sparingly. In other instances the Grand Lodge

The Treasurer's Account Book shows that the relief of
distressed brethren was carefully looked after. Before the close
of the year we find five distinct entries of sums paid out of the
Lodge funds for that purpose. The W.M. appears to have made
some of these payments on his own responsibility and in his own
discretion, and afterwards to have recovered the sums paid from
the Treasurer. The Lodge had then no Charity Representative.
From the same book the following may be quoted : —

Warrant from the P.G. Lodge ...
Bible, Book of Constitutions, & Collars
Bro. Hall for Covering a Bible and Hire

of a Horse ...
Liquor at the Constitution of the Lodge
Bro. Barclay 1 doz. New Aprons

In the History of the Province I have endeavoured to
prove that there was no real P.G. Lodge at this time. Shirreff's
letters show that this sum of £5 5s. Od. was duly transmitted to
Grand Lodge. My readers must from the third entry draw
their own conclusions as to Bro. Hall's social standing, I must
confess I feel unable to assist them. He is stated in the minute
book to have been a Draper. The aprons worn at this period
consisted of a plain white lambs skin, and were provided by the
Lodge for its members. At the close of the year the Lodge con-
sisted of 32 members, of these the names of Loxdale and Lloyd are
familiar to all Salopians, and Richard Dansey was the Great
Grandfather of the present Sir Richard Dansey Green Price, Bart.

114

FREEMASONRY IN

Bro. Neale was again elected W.M. in this year, and
1789. the Lodge continued to grow in numbers, and to

perform its work most energetically. In all 27 lodges
were held, 9 of these being Lodges of Emergency; 15 initiations,
and 38 ceremonies were performed. Many apparent irregularities
may be noticed in the minute books. Thus it is recorded that
William Evans, Wythen Evans, John Lewis, and "William Bowley
were duly passed on various dates, although no record of their
respective initiations was ever made ; similarly, no account is
given of the passing of Richard Jenkins, although the Secretary
notes both his initiation and raising. The Treasurer's books,
however, shows that these apparent irregularities only appear
through the defaults of the Secretary. All the proper fees were
paid for the ceremonies omitted to be noticed by him, and there
can be no doubt they were properly performed. Bro. Secretary,
if somewhat negligent, was not allowed to go entirely unpunished,
for he records on August 7th that he was fined for non-attend-
ance, a similar fate having overtaken two other members earlier
in the year. The Lodge at this time began its subscription of
£5 5s. Od. per annum to the Salop Infirmary, an Institution
which was founded about 174:5, and which was the second of its
kind in England to begin the charitable work of relieving the
sufferings of the poor, that at Winchester alone having a prior
origin — a second subscription of the same amount was voted on
December 28th, but it is evident that this was intended for the
following year. The Treasurer gives the Lodge credit for the
sum of £1 lis. 6d thus. — "Received from the Com'ittee Half
the Amonnt of a Subscription for the Poor last winter." This
return of money given in charity was, to say the least of it
unusual, and it may be supposed that the distress which induced
the Brethren to vote 3 guineas in the previous year must have
been greatly exaggerated. The Shrewsbury Chronicle contains
no traces of any special hardship or poverty existing at this
period. In May it was proposed and agreed that " this Lodge
attend the Provincial Grand Master at Whitchurch next St.
John's Day, and that Major Shirreff be desired to acquaint him

THE PROVINCE OP SIIEOPSIIIRE. 115

with our intentions." No further notice is taken of

the matter by the Secretary, the Treasurer, however, 1789.

takes credit for the following payments : —

June 23rd, Cleaning Sword for Wt'Ch. 3

July 7th, Expense of Bro. Innys, and

the Tyler to Wt'Ch 1

from which we may conclude that the Lodge went to Whitchurch
in Masonic State. Bro. Innys was in very reduced circumstances,
which will account for this payment of his expenses. A consider-
able sum of money was early in this year expended on the
purchase of "jewills," and also in procuring glasses and
decanters. A small quantity of the glass then bought is, I think,
still in the possession of the Lodge ; at all events there is some
in existence which has engraved upon it the No. 525, and, as the
Lodge changed its number in 1792, the glass in question must be
at least 100 years old. Three other entries in the Treasurer's
books may here be noticed, they are : —

March 17th — Lost by light money ... 2

May 31st — Bro. Green for 6 pairs of

gloves 12

Septr. 1st — A box for a transparency 6 6

From the second of these entries I conclude the Lodge provided
the Brethren with gloves as well as aprons. I am not quite clear
what the real functions of a transparency were, but Bro. Hughan
in answer to my inquiries suggests that it was probably required
for the 3rd degree, the star (lighted) being a great feature of that
ceremony in years gone by.

Merit seems to have been promptly recognised in olden
times, as we find Bro. Warren became Secretary on the day he
was passed. There can be little doubt that such an appointment
could not do much to promote the efficient working of the Lodge
affairs, and the recently adopted practice, at present followed in
the Salopian Lodge, of only appointing a P.M. to that office,
seems a sound and judicious one,

116 FREEMASONRY IN

It is apparent in this year, as in the previous one, that
1789. many accepted candidates were never initiated, as we

find the Secretary ordered to write to them threatening
the forfeiture of their deposit money unless they appeared in due
course. Major Shirreff in a passage in one of his letters which I
have not previously quoted, suggests that the Candidates held
back for fear of the " marking irons." How much of truth there
was in the suggestion I cannot pretend to say.

On December 2.3rd a Committee meeting was held to
settle the arrangements for celebrating the Feast of St. John the
Evangelist. The resolutions adopted by this Committee throw a
good deal of light on the subject of the banquets then indulged
in, and may be quoted in extenso without much comment.

It was resolved —

" That it is tlio opinion of this Comniittee tliat the sum of five shillings he
paid by every Brother who shall attend on that day."

" That every Absentie shall pay 2 shillings & CJ."

" That Bro. Trehearn shall be ordered to provide a Dinner for Thirty at two
shillings each, and that all Liquors be paid for besides, that the
Dinner be directed to be ou the Table at 2 o'cdork."

" That the Secretary be ordered to issue Summonses to all the Jlcmbers on
the 24th giving nutice to meet at 12 o'clock in order that there may be
time for the installation of the new OlBcers."

" That the Steward be requested to attend early and collect the five shillings
as each member arrives."

"That an advertisement be inserted in the Shrewsbury paper that the
Brethren of the Salopian Lodge intend to celebrate the Festival at the
Fox ou Monday the 28th inst. recjuesting the Company of Yisiting
Brethren."

" That the Steward call for the Bill of the Dinner as soon as the Cloth shall
be taken away, and pay for the Liquors as they are brought in, and
inform the Master when the money collected for the day shall be
uearly expended."

The paper alluded to in these resolutions was the still
floui-ishing Shrewsbury Chronicle, to which I have already
referred. It was established in 1772, sixteen years before the
Lodge came into existence. A Copy of the advertisement
follows : —

THE PUOVINCE OP SHROPSHIHE. 117

" FREE MASONRY."
Dec. 25th, 1789. "The Brethren of the Salopian 1789.
Lodge meet to celebrate the Festival of St. John the
Evangelist at Brother Trehearn's, the Fox Inn, at 12 o'clock on
Monday the 28th day of December, when the Company of
Visiting Brethren will be esteemed a favour.''

" Dinner on the table at 2 o'clock."

No visitors seem to have responded to this invitation, but
32 members of the Lodge attended.

Once more the election of Bro. Neale as W.M. is
recorded. It is, perhaps, needless to remark that the 1790.
election of the same W.M. for three successive years is
now forbidden by the Constitutions. The average attendance in
this year exceeded 18, and work continued very plentiful, as a
total of 28 ceremonies performed clearly shows. The Secretary
again unjustly credits the Lodge with appai-ently irregular
proceedings, but once more the accurate figures of the Treasurer's
accounts correct the impressions gathered from a perusal of the
minutes, and once more judgment followed hard upon the offence,
as the Secretary was shortly afterwards again fined for non-
attendance. That hard-working ofiicial apparently tried to get
an Assistant Secretary appointed, but the Lodge reserved the
question for future consideration, the opportunity for which, if it
ever came, was not taken advantage of.

An example of strictness is worthy of notice, especially as
it would now hardly be followed as a precedent. I refer to the
case of Bro Kyffin, who was black-beaned in October, but who
was re-balloted for in November and then elected, the reason
given being that "some members had voted on the previous
occasion whose subscriptions were in arrears."

By virtue of a Dispensation from the P.G.M. the Brethren
took part in a great procession on the Festival of St. John the

118

FUEEMASONRY IN

Baptist. The entry relative to this event is a very
1790. important one, as it shows the strength of Masonry in
the province at this date ; it is as follows ; —
" The Festival of St. John the Baptist was celebrated on Tuesday,
August, 31st, 1790. Present.

Bro. Charles Shirreff, D.P.G.M.
Officers & Brethren of the Whitchurch Lodge.

Bro. Thomas Loxdale, Esqre., Master, (i)
Officers and Brethren of the Salopian Lodge.

Bro. John Hill, Esqre., Master.
Officers & Brethren of the Egerton Lodge.

Bro. Collier, Master.

Officers & Brethren of the Wrekin Lodge.

Bro. Grant, Master of 314.

Bro. Geo. Collier, P.G. Chaplain.

and many other Visiting Brethren.
The Lodges proceded from the Lodge Room at 1 1 o'clock
in procession to St. Mary's Church, where after hearing Divine
Service and a Sermon on the occasion, they returned to the Town
Hall to dinner, and the evening was spent in Harmony and
Conviviality."

The intention to hold this procession was advertised in the
Chronicle in the following terms : —
Aug. 20th. " FREE MASONRY."

"A dispensation having been granted by the P.G.M. for
the County of Salop to the Salopian Lodge for celebrating the
past festival of St. John the Baptist on Tuesday, the 31st
August, the brethren of the different Lodges in the County are
desired to attend the D. P.G.M. at the Lodge Room at JO o'clock
in the morning, from thence to walk in procession to St. Mary's
Church, attended by the Provincial Grand Chaplain, and after-
wards to dine at the Town Hall when the Company of every
visiting brother will be highly esteemed.

By order of the P.G.M.,
CHARLES SHIRREFF, D.F.G .M."

(1) Bro. Neale had just resigdecl.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 119

The account given by the same paper in its issue of
September 3rd is : — " On Tuesday last a very numerous 1790.
and respectable body of Free and Accepted Masons
belonging to the Provincial Egerton Salopian and Wellington
Lodges of this County, assembled at the Fox Inn at this town,
from whence they went in procession in their respective uniforms,
adorned with the jewels and insignia of the order, preceded by a
band of Music to St. Mary's Church." The banquet, we further
learn from the same source, was conducted with " that harmony
and decorum which always adorn the character of Masons.''

In the Provincial History I have already indicated the
importance of a comparison of these accounts. I may, perhaps,
repeat here the conclusions at which I then arrived. These are
1st — that this was not a meeting of a Provincial Grand Lodge,
and 2ndly — that the Whitchurch Lodge No. 1 was in common
estimation regarded as a Provincial Grand Lodge, and that in
fact no real Provincial Grand Lodge was then in existence. No.
344 was not a Shropshire Lodge ; at this date 344 on the English
Register was the Merchants Lodge, hailing from Liverpool.
Bro. Grant was probably only a casual visitor. It is curious that
Bro. Sadler, who kindly made the requisite search for me in
Grand Lodge, cannot find the name of Grant on the register of
the members of the Merchants Lodge. It may, therefore, be
that 344 was some Lodge on the Irish or Scotch Register, and
not an English Lodge at all. The procession was evidently
carried out with considerable pomp, as the Treasurer paid
£3 18s. 6d. for the band alone. The sermon preached by Bro.
Collier was greatly appreciated, and he was invited by the Lodge
to get it printed, or else favour them with a copy for that pur-
pose. Eventually, as we shall see later on, he acceeded to this
request.

I have already noticed the resignation of Bro. Neale. He
was undoubtedly a good and enthusiastic, if somewhat quarrel-
some Mason. The Minute referring to his resignation of office
reads thus—" After an elegant address from the Right Worshipul

120

FREEMASONRY IX

Master, he resigned the Chair, which he had filled with
1790. so much honour and credit to himself and profit to the
Lodge, and appointed and installed Bro. Loxdale
Master, instituted Bro. Lloyd into the office of Senior Warden,
and proper charges were given on the occasion." That his ability
and industry were considerable is evident by the progress the
Lodge had made under his fostering care ; and that his efforts
were appreciated by the Lodge is seen from a minute dated May
10th, which records that "After a most excellent charge delivered
by the Right Worshipful Master to Bros. R. Jones and Rowley,
who had been raised to the sublime degree of Master Masons last
lodge night, he gave an extraordinary fine lecture on the 3rd
degree of Masonry, and afterwards one on the first, when the
Lodge was closed in Peace and Harmony."

On October 5th the Lodge Room was put in mourning for
the late Grand Master, H.R.H. the Duke of Cumberland. A
hatchment was ordered to be prepared, and inquiries were
addressed to the P.G.M., "asking if it was necessary to observe
any particular ceremony on the occasion."

A curious event took place on December 27th — On that
day Rro. Loxdale resigned the Chair, and Bro. Barkley was
elected unanimously in his place, and was duly installed ; he then
immediately resigned office, and Bro. Loxdale was re-elected
Master, and was installed in proper ionn. This is the only
instance of ' Passing the Chair,' viz. of obtaining the rank of
P.M. without having served the office of W.M., recorded in the
annals of the Lodge. The rank of Installed Master, then
regarded as a degree, was considered to be a necessary qualifica-
tion for exaltation in the Royal Arch, and the fiction of ' Passing
the Chair ' was invented to enable an ordinary Master Mason to
be exalted before he had presided over a Lodge as Master. The
use of this fiction was at the date of the Union in 1813 declared
to be no longer necessary, and any Master Mason can now be
exalted. The custom, however, in some Lodges continued until a

THE PROVINCE OP SHEOPSHIRE. 121

much later period. "In Nos. 37 and 42 it lasted until

1846 and 1850 respectively."(i) I have found no trace 1790,

of the Royal Arch being worked in Shrewsbury before

the year 1797, and I therefore conclude that Bro. Barkley must,

unless he was receiving a mere honorary degree, have passed the

Chair with a view to exaltation in some other part of England.

In the minute books of 117 many instances of several Brethren

' Passing the Chair ' on the same evening may be found, but this

was at a time 20 years later than the period of which I am

writing.

The initial impetus now began to lose its force.
Only 16 lodges were held during the year ; the average 1791.
attendance was lowered to 15, and the number of
ceremonies to 9. Considerable pecuniary difficulty was also felt,
and in consequence the subscription to the Salop Infirmary was
reduced to 3 guineas, and an application for aid from the
Humane Society was refused. Subscriptions in arrear were
closely looked after, suppers were discontinued for five nights, and
strict economy generally enforced. These measures were success-
ful, and at the end of the year, notwithstanding considerable
outlay on distressed Brethren, the Treasurer had a balance of
£12 17s. lOd. in his hands. On Feb. 1st., a Quarterly Commun-
ication was received notifying the election of H.R.H. George,
Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV., to the office of Grand
Master; he had been initiated in 1787. It is curious to note
how the words " Quarterly Communication " early changed their
meaning. Originally they implied that personal communication
or intercourse which the Masters and Wardens of the Lodge were
expected to keep up with the officers of Grand Lodge, and the
quarterly meetings of Grand Lodge were called Quarterly Com-
munications.W In 1791 we see that the words had come to
mean the quarterly letter from Grand Lodge to the Lodges
subordinate to it.

(1) Gould's History o£ Freemasonry, vol. ii., p. 460.

(2) Book of Constitutions 1781 at p. 200.

122 FEEEMASOXEY IN

rrom the Minutes of Feb. 1st and March 1st we find
1791. that Bro. Collier was anxious about the proceeds of the

sale of his Sermon, preached in the previous year, and
which had been printed by the Lodge. The Secretary was
accordingly " ordered to make out an account of the Sermons sold
and remit the money due.'' This is only one instance amongst
many which might be quoted from the records, of the eagerness
with which the Brethren purchased printed Sermons. Our tastes at
the present day diifer somewhat from those of by-gone generations.
Two other entries on March 1st are worth noting. The
first records a resolution " that the Lodge will not take upon
them to decide upon the misunderstanding which arose between
Bros. Neale and Hall, and that the Secretary write to Bro Hall
to attend as usual." This, Bro. Hall, with true Masonic Spirit, at
first refused to do, as his enmity still existed. However, the
matter was ultimately disposed of, for on August 2nd we find it
" Resolved that Bro. Hall be excused paying his arrears for the
past six months, his absence being occasioned by a disagreement
between him and another worthy Brother, which is now amicably
settled." The other entry referred to is as follows : — " Resolved
that in future the Lodge be formed with the Wardens in the
West, agreeable to the usage of the Grand Lodge — that the Office
of Deacon be abolished and Stewards appointed in their stead."
Upon this it may be remarked that the Lodge was misinformed
as to the proper position of the Wardens. At this time Grand
Lodge followed the usage of the present day, though at a much
earlier date I believe the Wardens were found in the West. "In
different rites the positions of these officers vary. In the York
and American rites, the Senior Warden sits in the West and the
Junior in the South. In the French and Scottish rites, both
Wardens sit in the West, the Senior in the North West and the
Junior in the South West."(i) This latter position is that shown
upon an old Apron found in Ireland, which is described by Bro.
D. R. Clark, F.S. A. in the Journal of the Quatuor Coronatorum.(-)

(1) Mackey's Encyclopcedia.

(2) Tol. iv., part 1, p. 56.

THE PUOVINCE OE SIIUOPSIIIRE. 123

The abolition of Deacons, when once established
as regular Lodge officers, is very curious. Bro. Shirreff's 1791.
views upon the change would be most intei'esting, if we
could ascertain what they were. I have already suggested that
it was probably a re-action towards " Modern " customs, caused
by his excessive tendencies in favour of " Ancient " usages.

In this year we first liear of a Lodge of Instruction
established in connection with the Lodge. It obtained the use
of the old lodge jewels for its meetings, which were held every
Tuesday Evening at the Trumpet Inn. I do not think it
existed for any great length of time, as it is never mentioned
again, and the minutes from time to time make it perfectly clear
that this was only the first of a long series of attempts to establish
such an institution.

Bro. Neale appears to have left Shrewsbury about this
time, as we find the Lodge recommending him to the notice of
Sir Robert Cotton, P.G M. for Cheshire, in whose neighbourhood
he went to reside. His name is never again mentioned. by the
Secretary, but his change of residence does not seem to have
brought him prosperity, for I find shortly afterwards, from the
columns of the Shrewsbury Chronicle, that he became bankrupt.

On December 6th a letter was read in Lodge from " the
author of Freemasonry for the Ladies." •ft would be interesting
to see the work in question, but the Lodge apparently did not
think so, as it refused to purchase a copy. There can be little
doubt, I think, that the full title of the work in question was,
" The Use and Abuse of Freemasonry ; a Work of the greatest
utihty to the Brethren of the Society, to mankind in general,
and to the Ladies in Particular." The author was Captain
George Smith, who in 1783 failed to obtain the sanction of Grand
Lodge for its publication.(i)

A present of some candles to the Lodge by Bro. Beck may
be noted, as also of a crane by Bro. Taylor. Candles, then the only
illuminants, formed a very heavy item in the Lodge expenditure.

(1) Gouia, vol. ii., p. 470.

124 FKEEMASONEY IN

In October the thanks of the Lodge were ordered to be

1791. sent to "Bro. Sketchley, of Birmingham, for his polite
attention to them in sending the acct. of the late Grand

procession at Hereford." The Lodge there was called the
Palladium, and still exists, its number being 120. It was
founded in 1762. I have no details of the Grand Procession to
supply ; but " Bro. Sketchley " was, I think, Bro. Schichley, who
in the year 1791 struck, in Birmingham, a Masonic token to
celebrate the election of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales as Grand
Master, (i) A copy of this interesting token is now in the possession
of Bro. A. E. Lloyd Oswell, P.M. Forty members and visitors
sat down to dinner on St. John's Day in December, the Secretary's
only remark on the subject is that " the Evening was spent in
hai'mony and due decorum."

The average attendance in the year 1792 was only 12,

1792. and only 8 Ceremonies were performed. Three of these
ceremonies were performed in one evening upon Bro.

Partridge, whose case is deserving of some further notice. He
was a visitor, without any protest being made, at the February
lodge, but when his name was mentioned in September as a
joining brother, it was decided, as he was a member under the
" Antient Constitution," he could not become a member of a,
Modern Lodge without undergoing re-initiation. He was
accordingly balloted for as an ordinary candidate, and being
accepted, was initiated, passed, and raised the same evening.
Bro. William Ford who was also a " Member of the Ancient
Constitution " was rejected when proposed under similar circum-
stances. Bro. Gould remarks'^' — " Undue stress has been laid
upon the custom which prevailed under the two Grand Lodges
of England of requiring brethren who had already graduated
under one system, to go through the ceremonies a second time
under the other. The fees for registration may have been at the
bottom of the whole affair, and in each case, as the admission of

(1) Hughana Masonic Kegister, p. 30.

(8) History o£ Freemasonry, vol. ii., p. 461.

THE PliOVINCE OF SHBOPSHIKE. 125

brethren from the rival camp in. the capacity of
visitors — until a comparatively late period— plainly 1792.
indicates, a remaking was more a protest against the
regularity than the validity of the degree to which the postulant
had previously been admitted." A converse re-making may be
noted in the records of 117, which was, as we know, until the
Union, an "Ancient" Lodge. Under date Jan. 9th, 1811, we
read that "Mr. John Beer, Sergt. was proposed to be ancinized" ;
the Secretary, we may conclude, meant to say " ancientized," if
such a word may be coined for the occasion.

The Chair during the entire year was filled by the Senior
"Warden, Bro. Jones, as Bro. Barkley, who had been elected
Master, resigned that office on Jan. 3rd.

The Lodge exercised a great amount of caution in the
initiation of a Serving Brother. His note of hand for £3 7s. Od.
was required from him before the Ceremony was performed, in
case " he quitted Bro. Trehearn's (the Caterer) services before 3
years." This was evidently to prevent the possibility of a gratu-
itous initiation, which might have taken place if the Brother in
question had suddenly ceased to serve the Lodge.

In the previous year the Lodge appears to have lent a
Bro. Johnston, who was not a member, the sum of £& 10s. 4d.,
and to have taken from him his notes of hand for that amount.
Bro. Johnston was evidently in poor circumstances, as in this
year a Committee appointed to deal with his business, accepted
from his sureties " half the money due upon the notes in full
satisfaction to the Lodge." The minute then continues—" but
the notes should remain in the possession of the Lodge, in order
to enable the persons to whom the same are made payable, to
recover the money from Johnston, and reimburse the sureties
what money they should pay."

The appointment of a Committee of Charity about this
period, is worth noticing. Hitherto the W.M. seems to have
been the principal almoner, except in cases where rehef was voted
to specific Brethren in open Lodge.

126 FKEEMASONRY IN

At this time, too, occurs the first mention of the

1792. "Cumberland Society for the Support and education of
Female children, daughters of Masons,'' ealled after-
wards the " Royal Cumberland Free Masons School," and now
the well-known Masonic Institution for Girls. The Lodge
determined to support its funds by collecting 5/- from every
initiate, but with considerable caution added, "provided the
Lodge shall have the privilege with other Lodges to recommend
proper objects for this Charity." The School was founded in
1788, and took its original name from the Duke of Cumberland,
the Grand Master of the " Moderns."

The by-laws were now revised ; a copy is preserved in the
Minute Book, but only three changes need be mentioned. —
These are (1) that the choice of a Secretary and of the Wardens
was now placed in the hands of the W.M., subject, however, to
the approval of the Lodge — (2) that a single fee of £3 3s. Od. was
to be paid for initiation, no subsequent charge being made for
the other ceremonies — and (3) that all polls and ballots were to
be taken by the Junior Warden. The last mentioned alteration
was doubtless due to the abolition of the office of Deacon, which
has been already noticed.

The next entry that calls for notice relates to one of the
saddest events that a Mason has ever to deal with. — " Bro. John

, lately admitted a member of the Lodge, having conducted

himself improperly, and having defrauded several members,
of the Lodge of money, and otherwise degraded the character of
a Mason. — It was therefore unanimously resolved that the sd.

John be expelled the Lodge, and his name be erased from

the list of Members."

The number of the Lodge, owing to a general re-numbering,
now became 434.

Some members of the Lodge now appear to have

1793. become anxious for a more frequent change of officers,
but a proposal to elect them half-yearly was ultimately

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 127

negatived. Funds were very plentiful, so that it was
proposed to reduce the yearly subscription of 30/- 1793.
(2/6 a month, 1/- being for the Lodge funds, and 1/6
for the expenses of the night) to 20/- The Brethren appear to
have been delighted with the prospect, as they adopted a resolu-
tion to that eifect at four successive meetings. Even this
reduction, when carried out, failed to empty the Treasurer's
coffers ; at the end of the year we find he had a balance of
£25 in hand, part of which was employed "in encouraging the
production of, and becoming subscribers to the Freemasons
Magazine."

At a Lodge of Emergency held on Nov. 20th the sum of
5 guineas was voted to the " relief of the British Troops then in
Flanders." This was in the time of the younger Pitt, when
British troops, under the Duke of York, was sent to support the
coalition of Russia, Austria, Saxony, Sardinia, and Spain, against
France, then distracted by Civil War, under the Revolutionary
Government. The whole country seems to have taken part in
the effort to assist our army. A public meeting in that behalf
was held in Shrewsbury in November, and from the Chronicle we
learn that another was held at Bridgnorth, "to supply the 53rd
or Shropshire Regiment with 500 waiscoats as a tribute to the
courage and bravery which that regiment had lately shown at
Nieuport." In the following year, when the situation of the
Allies was critical, the Earl of Moira was sent out with a
reinforcement of 10 000 men, and after one of the most brilliant
and extraordinary marches in history, succeeded in effecting a
junction with the Duke of York, then nearly surrounded by
forces much superior in number to those under his command.
The genius of Napoleon ultimately proved more than a match for
the Allies, who suffered great privations in their ineffectual
efforts to oppose him.

A good part of the Treasurer's Accounts for the year is
taken up by details in connection with the death and burial of
Bro. Innys, who, almost since the foundation of the Lodge, had

128 FREEMASONRY IN

been in receipt of relief — his rent being paid for him,

1793. and pecuniary aid constantly given. He was buried at
the expense of the Lodge, the bills amounting to

£10 3s. lid.; the Brethren attending the funeral, however,
provided their own bands and gloves. The Lodge appears to
have seized all his effects, and sold them by auction amongst the
members. A total of £19 19s. 6^d. was thus received, the details
of each Brother's purchase being fully set out. There seems to
have been some dispute about the rent due by Bro. Innys, as a
minute of April 15th records that " The Right Worshipful
Master declared his entire disapprobation of a charge contained
in Mr. Bickerton's bill against the late Mr. Innys, and also
declared that Mr. Bickerton never made any such demand in the
lifetime of Bro. Innys. It was therefore unanimously " Resolved
that the sd. charge of £1 lis. Od. in the said bill be disallowed."
The whole history of Bro. Innys supplies an excellent instance of
the exercise of the brotherly love inculcated by the Craft, and
also of the close attention then devoted by the Lodge to the
aifairs of its members.

In another part of the same Accounts is the item
£5 6s. 2d. " Cash paid for soldgers clothing," while on the other
side of the account appears " By cash reed, by Br. Steward of
Sundry Br. for soldiers cloathing £4 Os. Od." This transaction
has reference, I suppose, to the relief voted for the troops in
Flanders. The 5 guineas voted out of the funds of the Lodge,
seems to have been partly defrayed by private subscription
amongst the members, and its value in clothes duly forwarded to
the Seat of War.

This was a very quiet year in the history of the Lodge ;

1794. in many instances the minutes of the meetings held
only record the names of the Brethren present. Bro.

Shirreff, D.P.G.M., now joined the Lodge as an honorary member.
We find a trace of his quarrel with the P.G.M. in the fact that
the Lodge forwarded a subscription of one guinea to the General
Fund of Charity through the latter, and not through his Deputy,
as in former years.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 129

The Treasurer records on June 26th having
received 5/- for the first seven numbers of the Free- 1794.
masons' Magazine," but its published price does not
appear. Bro. Secretary seems to have been in a hurry on Dec.
29th as his only remark is "The Lodge spent in Harmony, &c."

The question of arrears was again seriously con-
sidered in this year, and Grand Lodge was written to 1795.
for advice upon the subject. An absent P.G.M. and a
discredited Deputy, left the Lodge no other source of information
to apply to. A Committee of Charity was again appointed, but
on this occasion it received very definite instructions as to its
mode of action — " It is orderecl that when any person shall
apply in that situation (viz. distressed) one or more of the
Committee shall examine him, and if he or they discover him to
be a true brother, they give an order to the treasurer for such
relief as shall be by them thought necessary, and that no brother
be relieved out of the Fund of the Lodge by any other means."

On April 7th a letter was read from Bro. Bourlay charging
Bro. Trehearn with ill-usage, and a lodge was summoned to
inquire into the matter, which accordingly met in July. The
minute runs : — " The Lodge this night assembled having heard
Bro. Bourlay's charge against Bro. Trehearn, and also Bro.
Trehearn's defence thereto, and having heard the evidence of
Bro. Jones who was present at the affray between Bro. Bourlay
and Bro. Trehearn, do adjudge that Bro. Trehearn did not
conduct himseK as a Brother Mason towards Brother Bourlay,
and therefore the Lodge doth order that Bro. Trehearn shall and
do make a concession to Bro. Bourlay in the Lodge Room for his
misbehaviour, which was accordingly done." One cannot help
wondering from whence the Lodge conceived it had received its
jurisdiction to make such an order, or what would have been the
consequences of disobedience to it.

On August 4th a letter was read from Sir Robert Cotton,
P.G.M. for Cheshire, recommending to the notice of the Lodge

130 FREEMASONRY IN

"A Chronological and Brief History of the French

1795. Revolution," by Bro. Talma. Bro. Talma was a visitor
on this occasion, but the Lodge does not appear to have

bought a copy of the work in question.

In November the Lodge was invited to the Consecration
of the Royal Edward Lodge. This was the Leominster Lodge,
which became extinct sometime before 1832. There is now,
however, a Lodge of the same name (No. 892) in the same town,
which was founded in 1861. Bro. Jones, the Treasurer, died
during his year of office. The Brethren attended the funeral, and
refreshed themselves very liberally at the expense of the Lodge.

Bro. Thomas Gray, Junr., applied for relief, but as his

1796. name had some time before been erased for non-payment
of his subscription, his application was refused. Bro.

Carline, W.M., seems to have had a frugal mind, as he
proposed "that all visitors in future should pay 2/6, and also
that only the sum of money arising from the subscribing members
be expended on the lodge night, any extra expense to be paid by
the members present." These propositions were ultimately
adopted, and twelve months later we find the second of them
ordered to be strictly enforced. Some such arrangement was
evidently necessary, as the Lodge was clearly going down hill,
and not nearly so prosperous as formerly. The average
attendance during the year only reached 1 1, and only one
initiation took place.

In March we find the Lodge at conflict with its printer.

1797. " The Lodge unanimously agreed that Mr. Wood be
paid for advertising the Festival of St. John once only,

it appearing to the Lodge that Mr. Wood had made a wilful
mistake in inserting the advertisement before the date — by adver-
tising the festival on the 18th Dec, and dating the same the 25th."

The ordering of two columns for the use of the Wardens,
leaves us in doubt whether or not the Lodge had previously been
destitute of these articles of furniture.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIEE. 131

Once again, after a long interval, we hear of
Bro. Johnston's notes of hand. A Committee was now 1797.
appointed to interview him on the subject. The result
of this interview is evident from an inspection of the Treasurer's
Book as we find in it an entry dated August as follows — " Bro.
Johnston 10/- in the pound on his notes of hand £3 5s. Od."
This sura was not half of the £8 10s. 4d. previously stated to
have been lent, but I cannot account for the discrepancy. The
Lodge apparently never paid over this sum of £3 5s. Od. to Bro.
Johnston's sureties, which assuredly ought to have been done in
pursuance of the agreement made with Bro. Johnston in 1792.
Perhaps we may assume that Bro. Johnston's circumstances had
now materially improved, and that he himself reimbursed his
sureties for the payments made by them on his behalf.

Two Brethren in prison, recommended to the notice of the
Lodge by the Egerton Lodge, were " found on enquiry not to be
proper objects " of charity. It is interesting to note that at this
period prison discipline allowed relief to be administered to the
prisoners from outside sources. In the Chronicle of Dec. 19th
the following curious advertisement occurs : — " The prisoners in
the County Goal return their hearty thanks to a Gentleman
Farmer for his annual donation to be laid out in beef and plum
pudding for their dinner on Christmas Day."

The Festival of St. John was celebrated as usual, but the
Secretary's only remark thereon is — " The Evening conducted in
the best manner."

Henry Bowdler, aged only 17 years, was initiated
in March, by virtue of a Dispensation from the P.G.M. 1798.
(Egerton). The petition presented by Bro. Bowdler
was for some reason put upon the minutes. From the subjoined
copy it will be seen that it was practically identical with the
form in use at the present day. " I Henry Bowdler of my own
free-will, unbiassed by friends or uninfluenced by mercenary
motives, do freely and voluntary (sic) offer myself a candidate for

132

FMEEMASONIIY IN

ye mistiry of free masonry, it's soly from the favourable

1798. oppinion I have of the Institution makes me solicit to

become a Brother, if I should therefore be happy

enough to be accepted, I am determined to chearfuUy conform to

all the Rules Customs and Regulations of the Society. Witness

my Hand this first day of March, 1798.

HENRY BOWDLER."

The dispensation was in the form of a letter to Bro. Geo.
Bowdler, the father of the Candidate —

" Sir — I have this morning received your letter forwarded
from Whitchurch ; and by the first, in hopes this may arrive in
time, I forward my permission as P.G.M. to make your son a
Mason tho' under age, in case the Lodge chuse to elect him. If
a regular dispensation should be necessary, I shall order you to
be acquainted therewith. I beg leave to present my respects to
the Shrewsbury Lodge,

Duke of Bridgewater and am Sir

Cleveland Court, yr. obedt. hble. Servt.,

5 March 1798 FRANCIS H. EGERTON."

Under the address was written these words — " The Post-
master at Salop is desired to order this to be delivered on
Tuesday Evg. 6th March."

The certificate given to Bro. Bowdler was " signed by the
Master and Wardens &c.," and is in the form of a letter
addressed to him ; apparently this was deemed sufficient.

The minute of July 10th has a curt quaintness about it
worth noticing, it is : — " Nothing particular occur'd."

Bro. Gray, whose name had been erased from the roll of
the Lodge members, applied for a Certificate, which was refused j
he made several attempts in succeeding years to melt the Lodge
into acquiesence with his wishes in this respect, but without
success.

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIUE. 133

The Brethren, appeared to think that they had
had enough of Sermons in their previous experiences, as 1798.
they now resolved not to send any answer to " a letter
from Mr. Perfect of Mailing with proposals for the Sermons by
the Rev. Jethro Inwood, B.A."

Up to this date the number of Brethren admitted was
about 90. Amongst the names of old Salopians we find the
following — John Beck, Thomas Loxdale, Samuel Meire, William
Heighway, John Carline, William Clement (the father of
W. J. Clement, the late well-known Shrewsbury Surgeon), and
James Sandford.

From this year until 1813 the downward course
of the Lodge continued almost without a break. Only 10 1799.
lodges were held, with an average attendance of 9
members ; twice, the orthodox number to form a complete lodge
was only obtained by the presence of visitors. No ceremonies of
any description were performed ; no lodges were held in January,
February, or July ; and the minutes contain no records of business
transacted until December. In that month we find a Committee
was appointed " to take into consideration the state of our
finance and other urgent Busines's. Also our continuance of one
guinea Subn. to the Grand Lodge Fund of Charity.'' Part of this
business was certainly urgent, as the Treasurer only had 2/7 in
hand at the end of the year.

The pecuniary difficulties mentioned in the pre-
ceding year caused the subscription to be again raised to 1800.
30/- per annum. Even this measure was ineffectual to"
prevent the existence of a deficit of £i 8s. 4d. on this year's
accounts. About this time the 21st Dragoons seems to have
been quartered in Shrewsbury, having come there from Bridg-
north. Four members of the Regiment joined the Lodge ; they
had been made in the Lodge of Industry 578, founded in
Bridgnorth in the previous year. As a consequence, perhaps, of
this influx of Bridgnorth Masons, the intercourse between the

134 PREEMASONEY IN

Salopian Lodge and the Lodge of Industry was of a

1800. most friendly character, and mutual invitations passed
between them. The members of the former Lodge

attended a procession at Bridgnorth in their private capacity, and
the Bridgnorth Lodge came to Shrewsbury to celebrate the
Festival of St. John. The minutes also from time to time contain
the names of casual visitors from Bridgnorth.

In February the Secretary notes the levy by Grand
Lodge of a poll tax of 2/- per member. This tax was established
in 1799 to pay off the debt on the Freemasons' Hall, which had
greatly increased. Stringent regulations were made for the
erasure of lodges not paying it, and in consequence many,
including two Shropshire Lodges, were struck off the roll ; it was
exacted every year till 1810.

An instance occurs in this year of a matter which has not
been previously noted, but which was then usual and continued
so for many years. It appears to have been considered that the
passing or raising of a brother could only take place after a
proposition to that effect had been duly made and carried. The
W.M. does not seem to have then had that discretion in such
matters which he now exercises.

The minute of Augt. 5th discloses the first sign of the
dissatisfaction of the Lodge at their accommodation at the Fox.
" It was ordered that the ill-treatment of the Lodge by Bro.
Trehearn should be inquired into." Accordingly in October the
Lodge gave notice of its intention to move to other quarters.

The new home of the Lodge was in the Trumpet Inn,

1801. kept by Bro. Cottom, its first Junior Warden. The
Trumpet was situate in Hill's Lane, Mardol. The

change does not seem to have been at all successful.

In March a Bro. who wished to join the Lodge was black
beaned, but in May another ballot was taken, as some of the
members thought there was an error in the former one, and upon
this occasion he was duly elected.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 135

In June Bro. Clement waselected W.M. Why
this election took place is not disclosed. Bro. Bassett, 1801.
who was W.M. in the first half of the year, also presided
over the majority of Lodges held during the remainder of the
year, but he is always described thus — " Bro. Bassett as W.M."
Bro. Clement never took the chair at this, or any other, period.

In August the Lodge was invited to attend a P.G. Lodge
at Hereford. A grand procession was in contemplation to go to
Divine Service. The Ceremony was in honour of the birthday of
the Royal Grand Master, afterwards George IV.

A Bro. Finch of Canterbury in this year honoured the
Lodge with the first of a long series of letters with " proposals
for publishing by subscription a Masonic Key, price 3/6,
containing upwards of 500 different allusions and explinations
(sic) relative to the Masonic Order, which contains full one third
more than what is practised in either Ancient or Modern Lodges."
The Lodge declined to subscribe, and it acted wisely in so doing.
Finch was a Masonic impostor of an unusually brazen and
pertinacious type. One of his works was the creation in Ireland
of a fancy degree called the Order of Philippi.

In December occurs the first mention of the " Masonic
Society's Fund for the relief of the Sick." This, I imagine, was
the " Masonic Benefit Society," which was started in 1799 upon
the same basis as all other Benefit Societies, but probably did
not survive the Union in 1813.

The average attendance was again lowered, it now only
reached 8 ; on three separate occasions only five members were
present. Bro. Trehearn of the Fox seems to have borne no
lasting animosity on account of the Lodge having left his house,
as his name once more appears in the list of Members.

Ten ceremonies performed in this year recall the
memories of non-flourishing days gone by, and four 1802.
raisings in one night must have kept the Lodge fully

136 FREEMASONRY IN

employed. It is rather curious that Bro. Hitchcock,

1802. one of the new initiates, should have been elected
Secretary in December, his fitness for that post must

have been to a great extent a matter of faith.

As an instance of the close attention paid by the Lodge
to the affairs of its members, the case of Bro. Carswell may be men-
tioned. For some time the Brethren had been greatly concerned
about his non-attendance to his Masonic duties. The Secretary
was ordered to visit him, and when that official reported at the
next meeting that he had visited Bro. Carswell but could not see
him, the Tyler was sent to him during lodge hours. The Tyler
announced that he " found him particularly engaged, but would
certainly attend next Lodge night." This promise was not kept,
and the Brethren then appear to have looked upon the matter
as hopeless, and did not worry Bro. Carswell any further.

The late Treasurer was requested in December " to pay
immediately what money was due to the Lodge." He declared it
not to be in his power to do so, " but would certainly pay it by
the end of January next." The amount was £8 Is. 2d., and, so
far as I can ascertain, no repayment was ever made.

The entries this year are purely formal, and do not

1803. require any notice. The only business recorded outside
the ordinary routine, is that the Tyler was admonished

for neglect of duty.

The Lodge was invited on August 13th to another

1804. procession at Hereford, but does not seem to have
accepted the invitation. The attendance of Brethren

at lodge was very small, and no business is recorded on several
dates. A letter from a Bro. Pullen was answered, " inclosing his
imaginary Notes " (? Notis). Wliat this minute refers to I have
been unable to discover.

THE PKOVINCE OF SHEOPSHIRE. ' 137

In September, the Mercian Lodge, Ludlow,
founded in this year, invited the Lodge to join in their 1805.
procession, but an answer was sent " stating the
impossibility of attending as a Lodge." In return for this
invitation, the Salopian Lodge wrote a letter to the Mercian
Lodge " stating the necessity of well considering the custom of
relieving Brethren in distress, and that caution is necessary to
prevent being the dupes of impostors." The former Lodge had
twice in the previous year refused assistance to applicants, as
they were not ht objects of Charity, so that this letter of advice
to the younger Lodge was by no means superfluous or
unnecessary.

The lodges in these years were regularly held,
but little interest seems to have been taken in Masonic 1806-7-8
work by the great majority of members. The average
attendance was very small, and only two ceremonies were
performed in the whole period. A rather quaint minute on
Nov. 2nd, 1807, records that a proposition to erase the names of
members in arrear with their subscriptions, " was generally
seconded but particularly by Bro. Bassett." In July ' 1808
another invitation from Ludlow was received, another procession
having been arranged for in that town.

Once more the Secretary records the expulsion
of a member "in consequence of his irregular 1809.
behaviour." The brother in question was Junior
Warden, and was actually present in the lodge at the time the
resolution expelling him was carried. The Brethren appear to
have been desirous of acting very strictly in the matter, as the
Secretary was ordered to report it to Grand Lodge, and the
minute was signed by the W.M. The practice of confirming the
minutes had not then been invented, or at all events had not yet
been introduced into the Salopian Lodge, and this is only an
isolated instance of such a custom, not the beginning of a regular
habit of so doing.

138

PREEMASONUT IN

The small attendance of members, which had now
1810-11 continued for some years, induced the Lodge to hold its

meetings quarterly instead of monthly. The day of
meeting was also changed from Tuesday to Monday, although no
alteration was made in the by-laws. To get a larger number of
Brethren together, a circular letter of invitation was sent to all
Masons resident near Shrewsbury, but no effect was produced.
Only three visitors appeared during the entire year 1810, and
none in 1811. In the former year the total amount received by
the Treasurer, including Subscriptions to the banquets, only
reached the sum of £6 l-Ss. 6d. This may account for the
" inability of the Lodge to subscribe anything towards the relief of
the British prisoners in France.''

In December, 1811 the celebration of the Festival of
St. John was postponed to Jan. 1st, 1812, owing to the election
of a Member of Parliament for the Borough of Shrewsbury. The
member then elected was The Hon. H. G. Bennet, afterwards
Provincial Grand Master.

On Jan. 1st is the first recorded instance of the
1812. Lodge holding its banquet in the evening. The
hour was 7 o'clock, and the price of the tickets
2/6 each.

In December Grand Lodge requested a subscription
towards a Masonic jewel to be presented to the Right Honble.
the Earl of Moira. The answer of the Lodge weis a refusal,
couched in the following terms : — " As we are not subscribers to
the Charity Fund, it would npt be proper to subscribe, our Lodge
being small." The Earl of Moira, afterwards the Marquis of
Hastings, was then the Acting Grand Master, and was about to
proceed to India as Governor General of that Colony. The
jewel was duly presented to him, no less a sum than £1000 being
spent in purchasing it. I cannot attempt to give any account of
his life, interesting though it be ; both as a soldier and a Mason
it was full of work well done. I may, however, state that to his

THE PUOVINCE OF SHKOPSHIKE. 139

influence is commonly ascribed the exemption of the
Society from the provisions of 39 Geo. III. c. 99, 1812.
which was intended to suppress all Secret Societies.
Had his efforts been unsuccessful in this respect, the Craft
could not have continued to exist as a legal institution.

Another instance occurs this year of the custom of
attending the funeral of a deceased brother. The expenses for
refreshments were, however, on this occasion only 6/-

Owing to Bro. Cottom leaving the Trumpet, the
Lodge had to seek a new home, and removed to the 1813.
Britannia Inn. There it remained but one year, and held
only four meetings. No record of any change of officers exists, and I
believe that frpm 1812 to 1814 inclusive, the brethren appointed
in the former year remained unaltered in their respective posts.

This year was a most eventful one in the history of the
Craft in England, as in it the Union between the rival Grand
Lodges was effected. The great impetus given to the prosperity
of the Masonic Order by this happy event cannot be over-
estimated. Immediately it was consummated, the Craft,
formerly divided and distracted by internal dissensions, acquired
a greatly extended influence and reputation. New Lodges
sprang up in every direction, and the old Lodges found the
number of their members increasing rapidly. An increased
public knowledge of and sympathy with Masonic work, produced
renewed efforts to spread the "Light," on the part of its
guardians. That success crowned those efi'orts is a matter of
notoriety. The story of the Union is so well-known, that any
attempt to relate it here may seem superfluous, but as it forms a
most important page in the history of any last century Lodge, a
short account is appended.

The Grand Lodge of England, established at the
memorable meeting of the members of the Four Old Lodges,
held in. London in 1717, held, until the year 1739, undisputed

140

FKEEMASONRY IN

sway over all the Lodges in England, with the single
1813. exception of that belonging to the York Masons. This

Body had been established in the City of York for a
very long period of time and was in 1725 acknowledged by the
Grand Lodge of England to be independent of its jurisdiction.
Thereupon it assumed the title of the Grand Lodge of All
England, which it retained until its collapse in 1792. Its efforts
were always practically confined to Yorkshire and Lancashire.
In the year 1739 the Grand Lodge of England proceeded to
" consider a complaint against certain brethren suspected of being
concerned in an irregular making of Masons," and ultimately
ordered that " the laws be strictly put in execution against all
brethren who should, for the future, countenance, connive, or
assist at any irregular makings." The supposed consequences of
this order are very forcibly put in a note by Bro. Horthouck, the
Editor of the Book of Constitutions, 1784, appended to the
report of the proceedings of Grand Lodge above quoted. He
says : — " The Grand Lodge justly considered such proceedings as
an infringement on the original laws, an encroachment on the
privileges, and an imposition on the Charitable fund of the
Society. It was therefore resolved to discountenance those
assemblies, and to enforce the laws against all brethren who were
aiding or assisting in the clandestine reception of any person into
Masonry at any of these illegal conventions. This irritated the
brethren who had incurred the censure of the Grand Lodge, who,
instead of returning to their duty, and renouncing their error,
persisted in their contumacy, and openly refused to pay allegiance
to the Grand Master, or obedience to the mandates of the Grand
Lodge. In contempt of the Ancient and established laws of the
Order, they set up a power independent ; and, taking advantage
of the inexperience of their associates, insisted that they had an
equal authority with the Grand Lodge to make, pass, and raise
Masons. At this time no private Lodge had the power of passing
or raising Masons, nor could any brother be advanced to either
of these degrees but in the Grand Lodge, with the unanimous
consent and approbation of all the brethren in communication

THE PKOVINCE OF SIIKOPSHIRE. 141

assembled. Under a fictitious sanction of the Ancient

York Constitution they presumed to claim the right of 1813.

Constituting Lodges. Some brethren at York continued

indeed to act under their original constitution, notwithstanding

the revival of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717 ; but the

irregular Masons in London never received any patronage from

them. The Ancient York Masons were confined to one Lodge,

which is still extant, but consists of very few members, and will

probably soon be altogether annihilated. This illegal and

unconstitutional claim obliged the regular Masons to adopt new

measures to detect these impostors, and debar them and their

abettors from the countenance and protection of Regular Lodges.

To accomplish this purpose more effectually, some variations were

made in the established forms, which afforded a subterfuge, at

which the refractory brethren readily grasped. They now

assumed the appellation of "Ancient Masons," proclaimed

themselves enemies to all innovations, insisted that they preserved

the ancient usages of the Order, and that the regular Masons, on

whom they conferred the title of " Modern Masons," had adopted

new measures illegal and unconstitutional ; thus by a new species

of deceit and imposition, they endeavoured to support an

existence, using the necessary precautions taken by Grand Lodge

to detect them, as a ground for a novel and ridiculous distinction

of Ancient and Modern Masons. This artifice strengthened

their party to some degree ; the uninformed were caught by the

deception, and in order to procure further support to their

assumed authority, they also determined to interrupt the regular

mode of succession of Grand Master by electing a chief ruler

under that designation, and other officers under the title of

Grand Officers, appointed from their own lodge ; convinced that

the most probable means for establishing their opposition, would

be by liberally conferring honours on their votaries to secure

their allegiance, and induce others to join them. They framed a

Code of Laws for their government, issued patents for new

Lodges, and exacted certain fees of constitution, from which they

hoped to raise a fund sufficient to support their power. They so

142 FKEEMASONEY IX

far succeeded in their new plan as to be acknowledged
1813. by many; some gentlemen of family and fortune

entered among them, and even many regular Masons
were so unacquainted with their origin, or the laws of the Society
as to attend their Lodges, and give a tacit sanction to their
proceedings — of late years, however, they hav.e not been so
successful." Such is the account of the origin of the Great
Schism which has been, until comparatively recent times, received
as Gospel. It is, however, important to note that it is derived
from "Modern" sources, and like all other productions of party
writers, was written rather to run down the opposite faction, than
to present a true view of the real facts of the case. Bro. Gould,
whose opinion is worthy of all respect, considers that in the
period of neglect and misrule which the Craft suffered from
during the time Lord Byron was Grand Master (1747-1752), and
in the summary erasures of numerous Lodges for non-attendance
at the Quarterly Communications and non-payment to the Fund
of Charity, we find the true causes of the Schism. Another
recent writer (Bro. Sadler) considers that there is no evidence
yet brought to Hght, which would justify him in believing that
any considerable number of the so called Ancients, ever owed
allegiance to the Grand Lodge of England. His "Masonic Facts
and Fictions " is an elaborate and able attempt to prove that the
generally received account of the origin of the Schism, is the
greatest of all Masonic fictions. His theory, so far as it can be
presented in a few words, is this : — that there were always in
existence, from 1717, certain Lodges which never owned allegi-
ance to the Grand Lodge founded in that year ; that chiefly
through Irish influences these Lodges maintained the old land-
marks intact in their struggles with the Society element
introduced into the Craft at the beginning of the last century — •
and that from them ultimately developed the Grand Lodge of
England according to Old Institutions, viz. the " Ancient " Grand
Lodge. Whatever may have been its true origin, this Grand
Lodge undoubtedly continued to grow in strength. In 1813 it
counted 260 Lodges under its banner, at which date its older

THE PROVINCE OE SHUOPSHIEE. 143

rival held sway over 386. In the early years of the
present century efforts were made to put an end to the 1813.
existing conflict between the two bodies; and, in 1813,
when the Prince of Wales, afterwards George IV., was Grand
Master, and his brother, the Duke of Sussex, was Deputy Grand
Master of the- "Moderns," and another brother, the Duke of
Kent, was Grand Master of the " Ancients," these efforts were
at length crowned with complete success. Chiefly by a judicious
exercise of their undoubted influence, the Royal brothers caused
to be drawn up Articles of Union, which were ratified on
Dec. 8th. A Lodge of Reconciliation, consisting of members of
both Grand Lodges, met to settle uniformity of ritual and
practice, and, on the Festival of St. John the Evangelist,
the Articles were duly signed and sealed. An absolute
equality between the former enemies was agreed upon,
and all unhappy disputes were forgotten, and their annoyance
forgiven. The precedence of the Lodges was settled by lot, in
which the first advantage fell to the Ancients, and their Grand
Masters Lodge No. 1 Ancients became No. 1 on the roll of the
United Grand Lodge. No. 1 " Moderns," the Lodge of Antiquity
was placed No. 2 on the same roll ; No. 2 " Ancients '' and No. 2
" Moderns " were placed No. 3 and 4 respectively, and this process
was continued, the " Ancients " and " Moderns " taking
alternate places, until the rolls of both were exhausted. Hence
it was that the Salopian Lodge which was No. 434 in 1792
became No. 498 in 1814.

144 FREEMASONRY IN

Section II. (1814-1832).

The Salopian Lodge certainly shared in a full
1814. measure in the growing prosperity of the Craft. No

less than 18 initiations took place in this year. Bro.
Richard Phillips, the W.M. elected at the close of the year, was
also Mayor of Shrewsbury, and it seems probable that his position
in the town was partly responsible for this sudden influx of
candidates. In June the Lodge removed to the Unicorn
Inn, at the bottom of the Wyle Cop, but remained
there only a few nights and then again changed its home
to the Raven and Bell Yard Inn, situate at the top of the
same street. The Unicorn has during the year 1891 been well
restored, and is now a good example of the old "Black & White,"
style so common in this County.

Early in the year the Lodge relieved a " Bro. Mons De
Largen," a French Officer prisoner of war in great distress ; a
strange contrast this to the refusal in 1811 to assist our own
countrymen, prisoners of war in France. The contrast is doubt-
less explained by the altered state of the Lodge Finances.

I have now to record the most important public event in
which the Lodge ever took any prominent part. On Dec. 27th a
Lodge was held at the Town Hall, Shrewsbury, " for the purpose
of forming a procession, under a dispensation from H.R.H. The
Duke of Sussex, G.M., to go and lay the first stone of the
Column intended to be erected in honour of the Right Honble.
Rowland Lord Hill, K.C.B." The Bridgnorth Lodge attended
as a Lodge, and including Visitors, more than 50 Masons were
present at this ceremony. The following account of it is taken
from the Shrewsbury Chronicle.

THE PROVINCE OP SHEOPSHIRE. 145

" On Tuesday the ceremony of laying tho first stone of the
Column, to be erected in honour of Lord Hill, was performed 1814.
according to Masonic rule, by the Salopian Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons, under the auspices of their R.W. Master, our respected
Chief Magistrate, Richard Phillips, Esqre., assisted by the brethren from
other Lodges. The Salopian Lodge and the Deputies from other Lodges,
assembled at the Town Hall at 11 o'clock, whence thoy proceeded decorated
with the various insignia of their diffeient Orders, and accompanied by a
band of Music to the place of the intended Memorial ; where having arrived,
they thrice marched round in solemn procession, and on the Master of the
Salopian Lodge coming the third time opposite to the stone appropriated
for the formal operation, they halted."

The Rev. Bro. James Matthews, Chaplain to the Lodge,
then advanced to the platform, and delivered himself of a lengthy
prayer. This prayer is too long to be quoted here, but it seems
to have been a remarkable one to have been used on any Masonic
occasion, as it contained frequent references to the Second Person
of the Holy Trinity — and concluded with the Lord's Prayer.
After the Prayer was finished, the W.M. laid the stone, and then
coming forward he addressed the Architect thus ; — •

"Sir, As Master of the Work, I salute 3-ou, but as a Mason I greet
you most heartily ! May God the Divine Architect of the Universe bless your
Work ! May he endue you with those great blessings he was pleased to
bestow on our three original Grand Masters ! May he give you wisdom to
continue, strength to support, and beauty to adorn this our intended work !
May he grant you health, wealth, and prosperity during its whole progress,
and permit you to see a complete finish, or what we Masonically term it — the
net completely thrown over it."

To this complimentary eifusion Bro. Straphen (a member
of the Salopian Lodge), the Master of the Work, replied as
follows : —

" Right Worshipful Master, Senior, and Junior Wardens, Brethren All
—I have to return you my most sincere and hearty thanks for the honour you
have done me this day ; for the confidence you repose in me on this occasion ;
for presenting me with this scroll, the jewels, the tools of an operative Master ;
hoping by conforming to these, and a strict observance of tlic rules of
Masonry, I shall acquit myself in that department, and with the Divine Aid
of the Great Architect of the Universe and the assistance of the Brethren, I
shall be enabled to complete this intended structure, so as to prove an honour
to the Craft, as well as a lasting Memorial in honour of our Shropshire Hero,
Lord Hill."

After the inscription had been read by Bro. Bassett, the
W.M. then addressed the Lodges again : —

146 FREEMASONRY IN

" Brethren, This is the only honour that we as Masons can
1814. publicly confer upon our Noble Warrior. We have other honours

to bestow, but, owing to the strictness of our Order, these honours
must be given within the walls of our Lodge. With your permission we will
return thither, and with your kind assistance perform the honours which his
Lordship so richly merits from the heart and hand of every true Mason."
" The band then played God Save the King ; the first verse of the National
Air was sung in full chorus ; after which three times three cheer.s to the honour
of the Shropshire Hero concluded the ceremony. The Brethren then returned
in procession to the Town Hall. In the evening the festival of St. John was
celebrated in their new Lodge Boom at the Raven and Bell with that spirit
of harmony so peculiar to Masonic Institutions."

The inscription placed upon the Column was as follows —

"The first stone was laid by Richard Phillips, Esqre. , Mayor of
Shrewsbury, and Master of the Salopian Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons,
assisted by the Chaplain, Wardens, the Brethren of this, and Deputies from
other Lodges upon the 27th day of December in the year of our Lord 1814,
and in the year of Masonry 6814, being the Festival of St. John. The funds
for this beautiful memorial, in honour of splendid talent and private woith
were furnished by a public subscription raised chiefly by the inhabitants of
this town and County of Salop."

Amongst minor details in connection with this event I
may mention that the stone, thus laid by Bro. Phillips, weighed
4| tons, and measured lift. Sin. long, by 3ft. broad, and 2ft. high.
Bro. John Carline, a very well-known member of the Lodge,
obtained third prize for his design in the competition arranged
for securing suitable plans for the erection of the Memorial.
The Lodges paid £i 10s. Od. for the band which headed the
procession, and also paid for having the bells of the Abbey Church
and St. Chad's rung, besides giving a liberal fee to the
" "Workmen at the Collumn." Fifty-one sat down to dinner
in the evening, and the bill for refreshments was sufficiently
large to show us that the Lodgfe dealt out hospitality with no
niggardly hand. Lord Hill was not, so far as I can ascertain, a
member of any Shropshire Lodge, but the allusion in one speech
of Bro. Phillips to those honours which could only be conferred
upon him within the walls of the Lodge, seems to indicate that
he was a member of the Craft.

In February Lord Hill called on Bro. Phillips, and

1815. asked him to thank the members of the Lodge for the

honour they had done him in attending in Masonic

THE PROVINCE OP SIIROPSHIEE. 147

form to lay the first stone of the Column. Bro. Phillips

must have died shortly afterwards, as in August the 1815.

Lodge appeared in mourning for him. He was the

only Master of the Lodge who died during his year of office.

Commenting on his death, the Chronicle of July 21st remarked

that — " He died whilst Mayor, an office in which he exerted

himself with unwearied diligence, and for the public benefit."

An attempt was made in this year to obtain the services
of Bro. Sir John Hill, Bart., who had lately joined the Lodge, to
act as Master. His reply is, perhaps, worth recording —

Hawkstone,

15tli December, 1815.

" Mr. Bowley, I am much obliged to you and other good friends and
Brother Masons, for the hint given, that 1 might probably be honour'd with
a high situation in your most respectable Lodge at Shrewsbury, but as I now
lind that at my time of life (tho' blessed with better health than most are
when in the 7(ith year), it will not be probable that I shall be able to attend
to the duties as I ought to do. Indeed was it not for this impedieut I should
think myself very improper to undertake anything of the sort, for altho'
having regularly attended for abont three years, to our late R.W. Master at
AVhitchurch, Major Shirreff, and having been admitted a Master, want of
practice would make me a very unfit person to undertake any office in a.
Society to which I ever shall retain a most sincere Brotherlike regard."

I presume the words " having been admitted a Master,"
refer to the time when the writer filled the chair of the Egerton
(Whitchurch No. 2) Lodge. The title " Right " prefixed to the
words "Worshipful Master" was discontinued at the Union,
but from this letter, as well as from the Lodge minutes, we see
that it was, as might reasonably be expected, still used for several
years in the Country.

A fit of economy led the Lodge to discontinue suppers
during the summer months, and also to arrange " that no spirits
should be allowed at the expense of the Lodge " during the same
period.

This was a very busy year; 20 Lodges were
held, and 28 Ceremonies performed. Four raisings I8I61
were carried out on two separate occasions;

148 FHEEMASONEY IN

On May 9th it was proposed " that a procession should
1816. be made on the 21:th of June to lay the last stone

of the Column," and the Secretary was instructed
to write to Grand Lodge for a dispensation, and also to
the Chester, Bridgnorth, and Ludlow Lodges, inviting them
to attend. The dispensation was duly obtained, but the
minute book does not record whether or not this procession
took place. Its silence upon the point leads me to believe
that the Ceremony was abandoned, and this belief is
confirmed by the only account of the matter contained in the
Chronicle, which records that "The last stone of Lord Hill's
Column, erected near this town, was laid on Tuesday 18th,
being the anniversaiy of the battle of Waterloo." A public
ceremony would probably have received more notice from a local
paper than is contained in the passage quoted. The top stone of
the Column could, I imagine, be laid with greater ease and
safety by Operative than by Speculative Masons, and considera-
tions of personal risk may have conduced to the absence of
Members of the Lodge. The Salopian Lodge does not seem at
this period to have realized that the Salopian Lodge of Charity
had settled down in Shrewsbury in the previous year, or the
invitation above referred to would have been extended to its
members The first mention of the latter Lodge in the minute
books of the former occurs in 1819.

Suppers were again discontinued during the Summer
months, but in this year this abstinence on the part of the
brethren was partially compensated for by the unanimous vote
that " A proper quantity of spirits be allowed."

The Lodge now again moved ; this time it found a home
at the Crown, which was then kept by Edward Jones, who was
at once initiated, and made a member of the Lodge. It is worth
noting that this removal was voted for in a lodge summoned
especially to consider the subject, and that none but Master
Masons were allowed to attend. In later years the practice of
sxcluding E.A's and F.C.'s from a participation in Lodge

THE PROVINCE OP SHEOPSHIEE. 14:9

proceedings was referred to as " an old established
custom." This is the first occasion upon which I can find 1816.
this custom was adopted, and there is no evidence to be
found in the minute books, that either previously or subsequently
to this date such a custom passed into a common practice.

New by-laws were passed, and an inventory of the Lodge
furniture was made in this year, but no copy of either has been
preserved. One new by-law, which was enacted at this time,
provided that fines should be paid by every brother absent from
the Lodge of Instruction, or on a regular Lodge night, or from a
Lodge of Emergency, but it was, I think, speedily allowed to be
forgotten.

A letter -was received in September from Grand
Lodge (? Grand Chapter) proposing to the members 1817.
of the Lodge to have a Chapter of the Royal Arch.
A very short time before this letter was written, the two
Grand Chapters, which had formerly existed under the
patronage of the rival Grand Lodges, had effected a Union,
and the United Grand Chapter of England was evidently
endeavouring to secure as many dependent Chapters as
possible. No chapter was formed in Shrewsbury at this time,
though, as will be seen hereafter, (i) the Brethren of 262 were
undoubtedly surreptitiously yet innocently working the Eoyal
Arch at this very period, without any proper charter or authority
for that purpose. Such working was, however, not carried out
in the Craft Lodge, as was frequently the case in " Ancient "
Lodges before the Union.

The office of Deacon was now quietly re-established,
without any resolution upon the subject. This was only natural,
as the office was at the Union recognized by the United Grand
Lodge to be a useful and necessary one.

In this year the name of Bro. Thomas Slater is recorded
as a visitor from the "Opperative Lodge of St. John 184."

(1) See History of Salopian Chapter.

150

FREEMASONRY IN

In Bro. Hughan's Masonic Register I find that No. 184

1817. was at this date the Lodge of St. Albans, Birmingham,
but I cannot ascertain if this was the Lodge of which

Bro. Slater was a member. The existence of a truly operative
Lodge so late as 1817 must, I think, be doubtful.

Bro. Horsman, formerly a member of the Lodge, now
rejoined it, and was accepted as a member without a ballot — a
strange piece of irregularity.

About this time the Lodge began to feel indignant at

1818. the long continued absence of the Rev. F. H. Egerton,
P.G.M., from the Province, and wrote to Grand Lodge

upon the subject, requesting that a new appointment should be
made.

In response to a circular from Grand Lodge asking if any
alterations were thought desirable in the Laws and Regulations
of the Craft, a reply was sent that in the opinion of the Lodge
the Registering (10/6) and Certificate (6/6) fees, were too high.
This question of the amount of the Registering fees had been for
some time a sore point with the Lodge, and the Grand Secretary
had to write many times upon the subject, as the Brethren
practically refused to pay them to the Lodge, which was,
nevertheless, held liable for them hj Grand Lodge. In June
three members, and in July one resigned sooner than pay them,
though it may be said to their credit that two years later they
rejoined the Lodge, and then paid what was required without a
murmur. One of the letters from Grand Lodge was pasted into
a blank page of the Book of Constitutions (1815), and so has
been preserved. An extract from it will show that relations
were getting rather strained.

London,

Freemasons' Hall,
"Sir and Bro., August, 1818.

After the numerous letters which have been written in respect of the
Salopian Lodge I did not expect to be under the necessity of addressing you
again on the same subject. The language contained in your letter is such as

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 151

I would not chuse for your sakes to lay before the Board of
Finance. It begins by slating 'The demand made by the G.L. 1818.
against the Salopian Lodge &o." and which according to your
own showing is only the just dues and contributions payable by the Lodge
and which has been too long withheld * * * In referring you
to Bro. Gilkcs I mentioned he would instruct you in the correct method
adopted since the Union, it is quite useless to enquire of me 'which is
correct,' more I cannot say by this mode of Communication."

I am. Sir and Bro.,

very faithfully yours,

ED. HARPEE, G.S.

The last sentence of this letter, though not referring to
the subject for which the letter is primarily quoted, is most
interesting. It evidently refers to some change in ritual, or
those other matters which cannot be written of, which were
settled by the Lodge of Reconciliation after the Union, but
which had not yet in the Country Lodges been stereotyped in
practice. In September the Secretary shortly records — '' Received
two letters from Grand Lodge respecting fees, which business is
now finally settled." The settlement was of course made by the
Lodge paying in full what was due. The actual transfer of a
great part of the money due was however avoided, as the
Treasurer stopped out of it the sum of £5 granted to Bro. Quick
out of the General Fund of Benevolence. The passing of a
Bro. Sinclair, who never was a member of the Lodge, is rather
curious and irregular, especially as it seems to have been done
without any communication with his Mother Lodge (No. 28).
In May the following minute was written — " The W.M. having
stated to the Lodge that some brother had informed Mr. P — —
that he was black beaned ; and also that information had been
o-iven to the wife of a brother respecting business that had been
transacted in the Lodge, the S.W. proposed that the W.M. be
requested to inquire into it." This proposition was agreed to,
but the result of the inquiry is not recorded. Let us hope it will
prove a warning to the married members of the Lodge, and teach
them discretion. The initiation fee was twice raised in this year,
first to 3| guineas, and afterwards to £L

152

FREEMASONRY IN

In February the Secretary was ordered to write to
1819. Grand Lodge "to know whether the Lodge No. 186 of

the Shropshire MiHtia had a right to initiate persons

who were not military men, and also if they had a right to admit

persons who had been rejected by another Lodge." This is the

first mention of 186, now 117, contained in the minutes. Grand

Lodge investigated the subject thoroughly, and a report on the

matter was made to it by the Board of General Purposes. A

portion of this report is contained in the Quarterly Communication

for June, and is as follows : —

"That a complaint had been preferred against a Military Lodge for
initiating individuals wlio were not of the Military profession ; that, upon
inquiry into the ease, it appeared that the Lods;e had acted under the
mistaken notion, that as the Coips to which their Lodge was attached was
stationary, the Laws relative to Military Lodges were not applicable to them.
The Laws of the Grand Lodge relative to Military Lodges being general, aiid
prohibiting them from initiating any person who does not belong to the
Military profession, the Lodge was informed that though it was stationary, it
could not initiate a civilian ; but inasmuch as the Lodge had acted under a
mistaken notion, and not with any intention to disregard the laws, the Board
recommended that no further proceeding should be taken against the Lodge
on this occasion."

In the following year 117 changed its Warrant for a

Civil one.

In May one brother complained that another had traduced
his character, and the Lodge decided to inquire into the matter.
It was found, however, that the evidence of non-Masons, who
could not attend in open Lodge, would be required, and so the
matter was allowed to drop.

A journey to London was evidently considered a serious
matter in the early days of which I am writing — so much so,
that a Lodge of Emergency was held to initiate a person about to
proceed there on urgent business. From Owen and Blakeway's
History of Shrewsbury we learn that in 1822 the journey by
Coach which had formerly taken 22 hours, was then reduced to
18, and that 7 coaches ran every day. Incidentally it may be
mentioned that coaches then ran daily from Shrewsbury to
Chester, Hereford, Welshpool, and Newtown ; and others, 13 in
number, to Manchester, Worcester, Aberystwith, Holyhead, and
Birmingham.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSIIIEE. 153

On Feb. 7th the Lodge drew up an address of
condolence to King George IV. upon the death of his 1820.
father and of congratulation to him upon his own
accession to the Throne. It is of considerable length, and
couched in language of extreme loyalty and affection. It is,
however, chiefly interesting from the fact that it was presented
to His Majesty by the new Provincial Grand Master, The Honble.
Henry Grey Bennett, whose name for the first time appears on
the books of the Salopian Lodge. George IV. had been Grand
Master, while Prince of Wales, from 1787 to 1813, and, when he
resigned that office in the latter year, took the title of Grand
Patron, which he retained after his accession to the Throne. In
due course an answer to the address, signed " Sidmouth," was
received by the Lodge, and informed them that " His Majesty had
been pleased to receive the same in the most gracious manner."

In March a resolution was passed "that in future no
brother shall be allowed to vote in any ballot in this Lodge, who
is not a master mason and a subscriber thereto." This resolution
was an attempt to establish some legal foundation for the
exercise of the " old established custom," said, at a subsequent
date, to have force in the Lodge. It shows that the previous
.instance already noticed was an irregular proceeding on the part
of the Master Masons, as there was then no by-law or resolution
authorising the exclusion of brethren in the lower degrees from a
participation in Lodge business.

In July the Lodge sent a subscription to the Royal Kent
Lod^e of Antiquity, ISTo. 20, held at Chatham, to assist in
replacing the regalia of that Lodge which had been burnt. This
Lodge was founded in 1723; its original number on the
" Modern" roll was 10, but at the Union it became 20, and still
retains that number.

Under dispensation from the P.G.M., dated Dec. 27th,
Andrew Vincent Corbet, of Acton Reynald, though under age,
was initiated on the following day. He was the father of the

154 FREEMASONRY IN

late Baronet of the same name, and was apparently,

1820. sometime before 1826, appointed D.P.G.M. by the
Honble. H. G. Bennett, P.G.M. He was a most

enthusiastic mason, and, even in his old age, constantly attended
the Installation Ceremony in December.

In this year the Lodge invested in a painted cloth
representing the Seven Liberal Arts, and ordered the Trans-
parency to be completed. This was the beginning of an attempt
to make the furniture of the Lodge more complete. In the
following year we find that new pillars were ordered for the
Wardens, "a Mosaic pavement, Tesselated border and Blazing
Star" were supplied, and, in 1822, "a Statuary Marble Pedestal"
was added at a cost of six guineas. This last article might have
been expected to have resisted the ravages of time, especially as
an oak case to store it in was provided, bnt it is not now in the
possession of the Lodge.

In March the brethren agreed "that in future no

1821. candidate should be initiated on the night he is
balloted for except in case of emergency " ; a departure

from what is found in modern times to be a most convenient
practice.

The Lodge about this time began to worry Grand Lodge
on the subject of the first part of the Book of Constitutions,
" which has been paid for several years." It appears that shortly
after the Union in 1813 Grand Lodge obtained subscriptions
from all the Lodges for the production of this work, which was
originally designed to be issued in two parts. The first part was
to contain the history of the Craft in general, and the second
part the rules and regulations appointed by Grand Lodge for its
good government. The second part was delivered in due course, but
various causes delayed the production of the historical volume,
which was in fact never published. The proof sheets show that
it would have been only a servile imitation of the history contained
in the Book of Coiastitutions for 1784 edited by Northoouck, and
so no great loss was sustained by its non-appearance.

'Sun PROVIltCE 01* SlillOPSHlftE. 155

A gentleman who had been proposed as a can-
didate for initiation in 1816, and then duly accepted, 1821.
now applied for the return of his deposit money, or in
the alternative to be admitted. The Lodge, with considerable
dignity, informed him that " either proposition was contrary to the
spirit of the by-laws, and could not be entertained."

The Committee of Management for the celebration in
Shrewsbury of the Coronation of His Majesty King George IV.,
invited the Lodge to attend the Mayor to Church on that day.
The Mayor on that occasion was Mr. "VVingfield, uncle to our late
Bro. Colonel Wingfield, of Onslow, P.M. 262, P.P.G.W., who
died in May, 1891. The brethren very properly declined this
invitation, on the ground " that it is contrary to the principles
of the Craft for a Lodge of Freemasons to join in any other than
a Masonic Procession.''

The Festival of St. John was celebrated as usual in
December, but on this occasion the enjoyment of the banquet
must have been considerably damped by the knowledge that it
had been previously arranged that " No Wine should be on the
table at the expense of the Lodge after 12 o'clock at night." The
early closing movement indicated in the first set of by-laws, seems
by this time to have collapsed. On referring to the Treasurer's
accounts I find that the banquet alluded to cost nearly £1 a
head, so that the brethren must have made good use of their
opportunities before the fatal hour had struck.

Bro. Hill, passed on Nov. 5th, was raised on Dec. 3rd, an
irregularity which seems to have escaped the notice of Grand
Lodge.

Early in this year it was proposed that " the old
established custom of excluding Entered Apprentices 1822.
and Fellow Crafts from participating in the trans-
actions of the Lodge, be enforced." As has been already
noticed the only recorded instance of this exclusion was in 1816,

156 FEEEMASONRY IN

and even after the resolution passed in 1820, and

1822. already referred to as making such exclusion from
thenceforth legal, it was not insisted on. The point

does not appear to have been again raised, and we subsequently
find that many propositions were both proposed and seconded by
members of the classes thus sought to be excluded. A more
proper proposal, and one more in accordance with the true
Masonig spirit of equality, was carried shortly afterwards. It
provided that "no brother should be raised until he had shown
some proficiency in the Lectures."

In July the sum of 2 guineas was voted to the "distressed
Irish."

From a correspondence with Grand Lodge about this
period we learn the curious fact that in the last century the
registering fee for any brother made in the Lodge, was not paid
until he had been raised. This custom was pleaded as an
excuse for the non-payment of the fees in the case of a brother
who had been initiated in 1794, but who had left Shrewsbury
before he was a Master Mason. Needless to say Grand Lodge
did not recognize the validity of this excuse, and the fee was
duly paid.

A purchase of the "Antiquities of Freemasonry," by

1823. the Rev. G. Oliver, P.G. Chaplain for Lincoln, for the
use of the Lodge, is an instance recorded in this year

of the very commendable custom of our forefathers to keep the
Lodge well supplied with Masonic literature. The Freemason's
Pocket Book was always supplied to the Master, who was
required to bring it with him to Lodge. Preston's Illustrations
were bought when they first appeared, and many other like
instances might be recorded. In the minutes of 117 the dates
upon which books belonging to the Lodge were borrowed for
perusal by the members may frequently be noticed, and I have
little doubt that a similar method was adopted in 262.

THE PEOVIKCK OP SHROPSHIRE. 157

After the consideration of an application for
relief received . from Hugh O'Neil, a prisoner in the 1823.
County Goal, for selling goods without a license, the
Secretary records — " The Lodge did not think him worthy,
having offended against the Laws of the Country."

Bro. Laurence presented the Lodge with a new set of
collars, and the " Execution of the Sun and Moon in stained
glass " was ordered.

In May it was discovered that a brother had
just been made the same evening as he had been 1824.
balloted for, contrary to the provisions of a by-law
passed a few years previously. The difficulty was, however,
disposed of by passing a resolution to the effect that " the
proceedings of this evening should not be deemed a precedent for
future initiations."

Bro. Evans, in August, was ordered to make "a new
Moon." The fate of the old Moon does not appear on the
minutes, but in a rough draft minute-book then kept by the
Secretary, it is stated to have been " made into Stars." This
remarkable astronomical occurrence is only intelligible when we
remember that stained glass was the chief ingredient in the
composition of the lunar orb referred to.

In this and the following year the Lodge subscribed to
the funds of " The Humane Society for the Recovery of drown'd
persons," founded in Shrewsbury at this period. From the
Chronicle we learn that the Society established a house on the
river bank containing life saving apparatus, and all the usual
appliances for restoring suspended animation. This Society must
have been rather circumscribed in its efforts, as the field open to
its operations was a rather limited one.

In November a deputation was sent to The Honble. H. G.
Bennett to know when he intended to be installed as Provincial

l58 t^EEESiASOURY IlJ

Grand Master. This was not an unnatural proceeding,
1824. as five years had elaped since the date of his appoint-
ment. The P.G.M. expressed to the Deputation " a
wish to meet the Lodge if convenient to assemble on Friday the
12th Day of December 1824, and that the delay that had
occurred with resjDect to his installment arose from Domestic
circumstances which prevented him attending as he wished to do
to the Duties, but that it was his intention in the course of next
year to be installed with all the Pomp and Ceremony usual on
such occasions." The Lodge accordingly met on Nov. 12th, and
resolved that the P.G.M. should be received " in a manner
worthy of himself and worthy of the Salopian Lodge." Elaborate
arrangements were made for his entertainment, but the Secretary
while carefully recording these, unfortunately omits altogether to
mention whether or not the P.G.M. ultimately arrived on the
scene.

At last, after repeated applications, a letter was received
from the Grand Secretary, stating his " inability to inform when
the first part of the Book of Constitutions would be printed,
but when it did take place he would be sure to appr'ize the
Lodge.'' This entry is followed by three distinct notes of
interrogation, showing the opinion the brethren had upon the
subject. Subsequent events, as has been already noticed, fully
justified their incredulity, and the Lodge still waits for the
arrival of this long paid for volume.

About this period, the Secretary, much to his relief, I
should imagine, found himself provided with printed summonses.

The last event worth noting in the history of this year is
the purchase of gauntlets by the Lodge for the use of the
officers. A very long letter from a Bro. Whitney, P.P.G.W.,
Somerset, who appears to have been asked for information on the
subject, has been preserved, and a portion of it may be here
quoted. He says i^^

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 159

" It is usual with us, to have the gauntlets made out of the
same leather as the gloves for all members, the officers excepted, 1824.
according to this shape (diagram sketched showing glove and
gauntlet in one piece). This gauntlet is made simply of stout white leather.
The gauntlets worn by the officers, are with the Collars and Aprons furnished
at the expense of the Lodge, -and of course considered a part of its property.
It is detached from the glove in tlie following manner (diagram sketched
showing gauntlet and glove as now worn by Provincial Grand Officers). With
ns they are made of pasteboanl covered with sky blue silk to correspond in
colour with the apron and collar and edged with silver lace * * The
reason we have them unconnected with the glove is, that in case any officer
be absent, the Brother who officiates for hiui has only to slip the gauntlet
over his own gloves, without being obliged to wear gloves worn by other
)5rethren « « j highly approve of the Standing Order of your
Lodxe. Nothing gives so respectable an appearance to an assemblage of
Hrethren — as uniformity of dress, especially black * * I sincerely
hope you passed a pleasant day at the inauguration of your Prov. G. Master."

There is no record of any such sfcandmg order being made,
bub about this period some such regulation was being generally
adopted by the Lodges. On the subject of Masonic clothing, I
may mention that the Lodge now apparently bought aprons, and
sold them to the initiates at a profit. This letter is dated
Nov. 12th, so that Bro. Whitney (a relative of the then Lodge
Sacretary) was misinformed about the inauguration of the P.G.M.
on that day, as may be seen from what has been already said.

Bro. Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet was W.M. in
this year, and he seems to have made a vigorous effort 1825.
to get a Masonic Hall built. A lodge was held on
Jan. 31st to consider the question, and the sum of £320 was
then and there subscribed amongst the brethren in £10 shares.
The W.M. offered to supply the stone necessary for the purpose
from his quarry at Grinshill ; the P.G.M. was written to, and he
replied giving his approval to the scheme, and offering his
assistance to forward the same. Plans were ordered to be
prepared, and success seemed probable within a very short time,
but some brethren objected to the scheme on the mistaken
ground that the Lodge would be liable for the expense incurred,
and so the erection of the Hall was "made a private trans-
action,'' after which nothing more is heard about it. Other
subsequent efforts to secure such a building in Shrewsbury have

160 FREEMASONRY IN

proved abortive, and its absence, sometimes greatly

1825. felt, is a standing disgrace to the Masons of our

town.

A by-law, passed in 1820, enacted that no proposition

carried at one Lodge should have the force of a Law

until confirmed at the next meeting This practice, seems

at this period to have been strictly enforced. A motion

was duly carried in May "that two black beans and not one

should in future be necessary to exclude a candidate proposed for

initiation." When the motion came on in June for confirmation,

it was rejected after a full discussion.

The following entry (June 13th) illustrates another
practice of the Lodge which has now quite disappeared.

" Bro. Whitney propd. that Bro. Hodskinson be pass'd to
the degree of a Fellow Craft next Lodge night, which was seed,
by Bro. Davies. In consequence of the above proposition
considerable discussion took place, and it appeared evident that
it was considered in the Lodge an act of injustice to deviate
from the usual practice so far as to admit one to be pass'd on a
regular Lodge night, to the exclusion of others who may be
equally qualified. That the question may be set at rest Bro.
Whitney prop, that a by-law be made that in future no Br.
should be pass'd or raised on a regular Lodge night — That not
more than 3 Brs. should bs passed or raised on the same night — -
That no passing and raising should take place on the same night,
or in other words, that one brother should not be pass'd and
another raised on the same night, and that on such nights of
passing or raising, no business should be transacted in a lower
degree than for which the Lodge was specially summoned." This
was carried nem. con., and duly confirmed in July. It must be
clearly understood that the by-law thus cii-cied introduced no
innovation, but was merely a definite declaration of an ancient
Lodge custom legally founded on the 6 th by-law passed in
1788,(i) ijut which had been omitted from the by-laws passed in

(1) See Appendix C.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 161

1820. Breaches of the custom may indeed be noted,
but as a general rule the Lodge only worked the 1825.
ceremonies of the 2nd and 3rd degrees in Lodges of
Emergency, the expenses of which were borne by the brothers
who were passed or raised thereat. The unfairness alluded to in
the above entry is thus explained — for a brother passed or raised
on a regular Lodge night escaped the expense which had to be
borne by one passed or raised in a Lodge of Emergency.

A commendable instance of strictness may be noticed in
this year, as it is, I think, unique. On July 11th, "two brethren
proposed to be passed, were, on examination, found not qualified,"
and two months elapsed before the degree was bestowed upon
them.

In October the brethren resolved to have oysters instead
of hot suppers in future ; for how long a period this practice
prevailed I cannot say. From this time, too, may be noted the
custom of guaranteeing the caterer payment for a definite number
of members, whether that number was actually present at the
banquet or not.

The Lodge was now for the first time illumin-
ated with gas. The pipes for this purpose were laid 1826.
down at the expense of the Lodge, but the gas was
supplied gratis by Bro. Jones, the landlord of the Crown Inn.

The following entry shows that the brethren used
sometimes to have their supper after Lodge was opened, and
resume work when supper was finished. — " Agreed, that no
brother who was in the Lodge previous to its being called oif to
supper, should leave the same immediately after supper, without
having previously to its being so called off, had the permission of
the W.M for that purpose " No instance of the performance of
these ceremonies of "Calling off" and "Calling on" has taken
place during recent years in the Salopian Lodge, except in
connection with the Installation Ceremony.

162

rREEMASOSET IN

A serious domestic disturbance must now be recorded.

1826. In November the Inner Tyler was charged with an
attempt to carry away wine, on false pretences, on the

previous Festival of St. John, and with using gross impertinence
to the Steward because he was prevented from so doing. The
minute proceeds : — " N.B. — the pretence assigned was that the
girls asked for it — the impertinence was calling the Steward a
mischief-making meddling fellow, a shabby fellow, and many
other words of the same import.'' The Tyler's defence was that
" the girls (? waitresses) wanted some wine, and called the members
a shabby set of fellows for not allowing them anything to drink,
whereupon he had spoken to Bro. Thomas, who gave him two
glasses of negus for them,'' and that this was what the Steward
objected to. As Bro. Thomas vouched for the truth of this
statement, Bro. Mallard was exonerated from the charge of
stealing, but relations between the Steward and himself being
necessarily rather unpleasant after what had occurred, his
services were dispensed with for the future. Shortly afterwards
he was again elected Inner Tyler, and served the Lodge most
faithfully in that capacity for very many years.

The election of officers was now changed to the month of
November in each year. •

A correspondence with Grand Lodge about subscrip-

1827. tions to the Fund of Benevolence shows incidentally
that there were 32 subscribing members in this

year.

A cushion and flannel waistcoats were provided for the
comfort of initiates.

All record of Bro. Colley's initiation was omitted by the
Secretary, though he was duly proposed and accepted, and
subsequently passed and raised.

Owing to the increase of travellers at the Crown Inn, the
Lodge was obliged to change its quarters after a tenancy of

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 163

nearly 12 years. Once more it returned to the Fox.
To enable the landlord to accommodate them, the 1827.
Brethren advanced him £30 to build and fit up a room.
The situation of the room thus built was at the back of the Inn,
with an entrance from College Hill. After this move the Lodge
initiated the landlord, Edward Oliver, but as Bro. Oliver never
held any oflB.ce in the Lodge, his initiation was, by the Constitu-
tions of 1815, quite regular. Before the Union it would have
been irregular. An inventory of the furniture then taken has
not been preserved.

The Province was now once more without a P.GM.., and
the Lodge after obtaining a dispensation direct from Grand
Lodge to initiate a serving brother, wrote complaining of the
situation of the Province, and soliciting instructions on the
subject.

A copy of " the very elegant and appropriate speech "
made by the W.M., Bro. Samuel Johnson, at the first meeting of
the Lodge at the Fox, was, on Oct. 6th, ordered to be inserted in
the provincial papers. Expecting to derive some information
therefrom, I have searched the files of the Chronicle from that
date until the end of the year, but no trace of the speech is
visible anywhere.

The new Lodge room seems to have been built
in such a manner as to cause an interruption of the 1828.
access of light to the premises of a Mr. Wilding, who
forthwith issued a writ against Bros. Oliver and Groves, the
former as the owner of the Fox, and the latter as the builder of
the room. The Lodge decided to take the opinion of Counsel in
the matter, and a commmittee was appointed to draw up a case.
Mr. Wilding was, however, not acting in a very hostile manner,
and he shortly afterwards accepted the sum of £14 7s. 6d. in full
satisfaction of all his claims.

A silver tobacco box was in this year presented to

164 FREEMASONRY IN

Bro. Bassett " for his revered and esteemed services to

1828. the Salopian Lodge." He joined the Lodge in 1788,
and had been a subscribing member for 40 years.

During that period he had always been a most regular attendant,
and had filled the chair no less than six times. It was also
arranged at the same time that, when the funds of the Lodge
would allow of it, a similar compliment should be paid to Bros.
Taylor and Oarline, who were both initiated in 1790, and had
each also filled the chair six times.

In October we find the Lodge again stirring in the
matter of the appointment of a Provincial Grand Master. The
other Lodges in the' Province were written to and invited to join
the Salopian Lodge in their endeavours to get the ofiice filled up,
and to share in the expense incident to such endeavours. These
other Lodges were only three in number, viz. — 117 (whose
minutes for this period have been lost), the Lodge of Industry,
Bridgnorth, and the Mercian Lodge, Ludlow (which was finally
dissolved in this very month, after a long period of inaction.)

The money spent in building the new Lodge room, and

1829. the payment to Mr. Wilding to avoid legal proceedings,
seems to have exhausted the resources of the Lodge,

and a very quiet year was consequently spent. No meeting was
held from May 1st to Oct. 5th, and a strict determination not to
run into debt is evinced by the following resolution, which was
duly carried. Resolved — " That in future no proposition for the
expenditure of any portion of the funds of the Lodge be taken
into consideration until it has been ascertained that the Treas-
urer has actually money in hand to defray the expenses thereof,
exclusive of any arrears owing to the Lodge, and over and above
any debts owing by the Lodge, as also the expenses of the night
on which such proposition is made." Notwithstanding this rigid
rule, the Lodge ended up the year indebted to its Treasurer in
the sum of £9 5s. 8d. It is however quite evident, independently
of all questions of finance, that the Lodge was now going down

THE PROVINCE OP SHUOPSHIEE. 165

hill rcipidly. Its members were decreasing largely by
resignations, and few new members came forward to fill 1829.
the vacant places. The average attendance was only
about 9, and little or no work was done.

The new year brought no sign of amelioration —
the finances went from bad to worse, and work vanished 1830.
utterly. The minute-book contains nothing beyond a
bare list of the members present at Lodge, with the single
exception of a proposal to dissolve the Lodge " owing to the
inattention of several members to its duties." A Lodge of
Emergency was called to consider this proposal, and the fact that
only 9 members attended it, is in itself a proof of the low ebb to
which matters had come. These nine were, however, all good
men and true, and they unanimously resolved — "that the Lodge
should not be dissolved, and that each Brother will use every
means in his power to support it.''

The making of a solitary candidate in this year
was but the last flicker of the candle, and in March it 1831.
was proposed that " the Lodge do not meet again until
called together by the W.M. (Bro. W. J. Clement), requesting,
at the same time, that his Worship would endeavour to assemble
the Brethren in such numbers as formerly." The next meeting
was not held till November, and as it then appeared that many
brethren had abstained from attending Lodge owing to its being
held at the Fox Inn, a Committee was appointed to look out for
a more agreeable place of meeting, and report their opinion to
the next Lodge. This is the last entry in the Minute-
book until Nov. 23rd, 1836, and as the minute of the 1832-6
last mentioned date follows immediately after that of
Nov. 15th, 1831, there can, I think, be little doubt that the
Lodge did not meet during the interval. Sufficient vitality was
however left in it to enable it to keep up some connection with
Grand Lodge, and in 1838 when it applied for permission to
celebrate its Centenary, sufficient evidence of that continuing
connection was found in the Grand Lodge records, and the

166 FUEEJIASONEY IN

permission sought for was duly granted. Until the
1832-6 recovery of the Treasurer's Account Book(i) for the

period 1788-1843, no records in the possession of the
Lodge threw the slightest light upon the darkness of this obscure
period in its history. In this book there are, however, several
entries which may be regarded as confirming the evidence
unearthed in Freemasons' Hall, and, as they are quite unknown
to any member of the Lodge, they are here given in extenso : —

Postages— 23d Septr. &. 9 Nov. 1831 <fe 29 Feby. and

6 Aug. 1832 3 4

„ 5 Sept. & 5 Deer. 1832. 6 Mar. 24 Apl.

1832 & 7 June 1832 4 2

October 33. Goolden 5d. 1833. Aug. 12 &

Dec. 4th 1833 2 1

Nov. 13. 1833 10

1833

Nov. 19. — Remitted to Grand Lodge subscription
from 18 Brethren to Fund of Ben-
evolence for 1831 ... ... ... 1 16

Do. Registering fees & certificate for

Wm. Heighway Jones ... ... 17

„ Subscription from 11 Brethren to

Fund of Benevolence for 1832 ... 12

Postages

1834 5 March 30 April 3 December 2 6

1835 23 March 29 April 2 Sept. & 2 Deer. ... 3 4
1836-7 27 April and March 1. 1837 18

1836 Nov. 23rd— Remitted to Grand Lodge for

8 Brethren to the Fund of Benevolence

for 3 years by payment of Bro Whitney 2 8

In my opinion this page of figures indicates to a nicety
the exact state of the case. The Lodge did not meet, but, though
always in arrear with its payments to Grand Lodge, managed to
pay sufficient to tide over the period when erasure must have

(1) This book together with another kept by the Steward, was in the yenr 1891
kindly entrusted to my care by Bro. G. J. Grroves, 117, for presentation to the
Lodge. It had doubtless been in the possession of his grandfather, who was
an old and valued member of the Lodge.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 167

been ever growing nearer, and, having escaped extinc-
tion, on its resumption of work paid off all arrears. 1832-6
The postages given in this list were undoubtedly paid
on the Quarterly Communications from Grand Lodge, and the
fact that the Treasurer paid them for live years is tolerably
conclusive evidence that he, at all events, did not regard the
Lodge as extinct by the mere fact of no meetings being held.

168 FREEMASONRY IN

Section III. (1836-1892).

It was in. the year 1833, during the period of inaction

1836. through which the Lodge passed, as mentioned at the
close of the preceding section, that its number was

changed to 328. At the same period The Salopian Lodge of
Charity became 135.

The first information we possess as to the resumption of
work by the Lodge is contained in a minute of the meeting
already referred to, which was held on Nov. 23rd, 1836. On
this occasion the brethren present were Sir A. V. Corbet, Bart.,
William J. Clement, William Cooper, Junr., William Heighway
Jones, John Carline, James Whitney, Thomas Groves, and
Samuel Johnson. A communication having been read from
Grand Lodge requiring the Lodge to pay the arrears due from it
to the Fund of Benevolence, it was resolved that the Lodge
should resume its meetings. A Committee was appointed to
select a Lodge room, and in December the Raven Inn was
selected. The Raven Inn was situated on the present site of the
Raven Hotel.

The arrears due to Grand Lodge were duly paid, a few

1837. of the old members rejoined, and some candidates for
initiation came forward ; meetings were regularly held,

and the Lodge was soon placed on the firm footing which it has
ever since retained. The day of meeting was changed to the
second Monday in the month, and has never since been altered.
From this date the names of members of 13-5 are frequently
recorded as visitors, and on the Festival of St. John in December,
appears the first instance of an interchange of civilities between
the two Lodges, which continued to be practised in the same
form for many years. The minute runs as follows: — "Bros.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE, 169

Horsman and Teece were requested to visit the Lodge
No. 135, and oifer the brethren Brotherly Greeting. A 1837.
deputation consisting of Bros. Drinkwater, Lea, and
Owen from Lodge 135 visited us and gave Brotherly Greeting."
The entire minutes of this year are copied out a second time into
the Secretary's book, verbatim in all important particulars with
those immediately preceding. The solitary variation is that the
year is always written 1838 instead of 1837. As the minutes
for 1838 follow immediately in proper order, it is impossible to
explain how such a mistake could have been made. The Secretary
would have been better employed in noting the election of officers
for the following year, which he has omitted to do,

In July, 1838, Bro. Samuel Wood, then House
Surgeon at the Salop Infirmary, was initiated. His 1838.
name is still familiar to all Salopians. While still an
Entered Apprentice he was elected Secretary, but, notwithstand-
ing his inexperience, the minutes kept by him show a distinct
advance on those of many of his predecessors. The practice in
each Lodge of confirming the minutes of the preceding one was
now first adopted, and now also for the first time we find it
regularly recorded that the Lodge was " closed in form and
harmony," words which shortly afterwards were changed into
those with which we are now familiar.

The Lodge was again moved from the Raven to the Lion
Inn, and, as it now contained 21 subscribing members, the funds
permitted a resumption of the banquets, which since 1836 had
not been held regularly. It may be noticed that visitors at
these banquets were still required to pay their proper share of
the expenses, as if they had been full members.

The last instance in which the interference of the Lodge
was requested for the purpose of settling a quarrel between two
members is recorded in this year. As the quarrel was over a
disputed account, it is little wonder that the Lodge refused to
meddle in the matter.

170 FREEMASONRY IN

The Earl of Zetland, Pro. Grand Master, having died
1839. in this year, the Lodge went into mourning. The

Public Rooms in the Market Square, now known as the
Music Hall Buildings, were commenced in March. The Lodge
was invited to be present at the laying of the Foundation Stone
by the Honble. Thomas Kenyon, but refused the invitation on
the ground that the Constitutions of the Order did not allow
Masons to appear as such in an unmasonic ceremony.

In April the name of " Bro. Price (? initiated 1814) of
Salopian Lodge of St. John 328 " appears as a visitor. An old
member of the Lodge who was then not a subscribing member is
clearly referred to, but this is the only place in the whole records
of the Lodge where the words " of St. John " are added to its
original title — " The Salopian Lodge." I am, however, informed
by a very old member of the staff of the Shrewsbury Chronicle,
that when he first joined the office of that paper, circulars were
frequently printed for some Lodge of St. John, which was then
considered the premier Lodge in the Province. This could not
apply to the Lodge of St. John, Wellington, which was not
founded until 1852, and must refer to some page in the history
of the Salopian Lodge which is completely blotted out from its
■records.

In May we find the brethren had invested in an organ
which cost nearly £22. As further evidence of increasing
luxury may be noticed the fact that the hour of meeting was
changed to 5 o'clock, and dinners instead of suppers were
regularly provided. Dinner seems to have been partaken of
before lodge was opened, for, in November, a discussion took
place as to whether it would be pleasant or advisable " that any
brother be allowed to bring a friend, not being a Mason, to dine
with the Brethren ; the Brother introducing him paying all his
expenses,'' and the conclusion arrived at was that as such a
visitor would have to leave immediately after dinner, " it could
not be pleasant to him, nor would it be agreeable to the Brethren."

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 171

A miaute of a lodge held on Dec. 9tli records
that " Bro. Grenville Jones presented an Antique ring 1839.
dug up in a Held near Haughmond Abbey, which
appears to have been a signet ring, and on which is the following
inscription surrounding a Death's Head and cross Bones above
which is an Hour Glass with a pair of wings, and on either side
a mattock and spade, supposed to have been a signet ring of one
of the Abbots of Haughmond Abbey. — To be worn by the W.M.
on all Lodge nights, and used as a signet ring by the Lodge. —
The ring has on the inside the letters W.L." A rough pen and
ink sketch is drawn in the minute book, which corresponds with
the above description. The inscription referred to is — qualis
VITA FINIS ITA. Bro. GrenviUe Jones is dead, and it has been
impossible to discover under what circumstances the ring was
found. In the " Transactions of the Shropshire Archaeological
Society "(i) will be found an article by the Rev. W. A. Leighton
on " Three Ancient Rings found in Shropshire," one of which
was the ring in question. The account given by that learned
Antiquarian is as follows: — "Among the ruins of Haghmon
Abbey, Co. Salop, some years ago, was found a gold seal-ring,
massive, but of clumsy form, the broad rounded oblong face of
which bore in shallow incisions the following device. In the
centre a human skull, frontal view, below which was a thigh
bone lying horizontally, and on the right side a pick-axe and on
the left a shovel ; above the skull an hour glass with a candle-
stick and taper on either side and a pair of expanded wings ;
around the verge the motto qualis vita finis ita. Within the
hoop were the initials W.L. As the above emblems of mortality
and the motto were, identical with similar ones existing on the
monument of Sir William Leighton, Chief Justice of Worth
Wales in the time of Elizabeth, in the Chancel of Cardington
Church, Co. Salop, coupled with the initials, there could be no
doubt in appropriating it to the Judge. It was no doubt one of
the rings which it was the custom of those times for Barristers .
when raised to the rank of Serjeants-at-Law to present to each

. . : -^

(I) Part 2 Vol. 2 pag6 2S0 (April 1878).

172 PHEEMASONRY IN

of the Judges of that time, and this particular ring was
1839. probably that presented to his contemporary Richard

Barker, Recorder of Shrewsbury and Judge of North
Wales, whose family then resided at Haghmon Abbey, and
whose brother, Rowland Barker, of Haghmon, had married for
his second wife, Cecilia, daughter of Sir Edward Leighton, of
Wattlesborough." There seems no reason to doubt the substan-
tial accuracy of this passage, and the Lodge tradition pointing to
a monastic origin may be considered as untenable. Sir William
Leighton, it may be added, died in the year 1607, which date
gives an approximate idea of the age of the ring. In the
Volume from which the foregoing quotation is taken there are
two engravings of the ring, made from a wax impression obtained
by Mr. Leighton when it was exhibited in the Museum formed
by the Archaeological Institute, on their visit to Shrewsbury in
1855. A comparison of these engravings with the sketch in the
minute book shows several discrepancies. The latter omits the
candlesticks and tapers, and has two cross-bones instead of a
single horizontal one. Mr. Leighton asserts that from the wax
impression taken by him " an electrotype was made which is
now the only existing representative of the lost ring,'' but his
statement is inaccurate, as another impression in wax and a
sketch of the ring had been taken by Bro. S. Wood at the time
of its presentation. As some members of the Lodge may not be
aware of the fact, I may mention that during the Ceremony of
the Installation of our W.M. Elect, the I.P.M. takes a ring from
his finger and places it on the linger of the W.M. Elect, who,
during his year of office, should wear it on all Masonic occasions,
and use it as a signet ring on all Lodge business. The ring now
used in this ceremony is a copy of that presented by Bro.
Grenville Jones, the original having been unfortunately lost
during the Mastership of Bro. Niccolls in 1862. This copy was
made from the wax impression and sketch in the possession of
Bro. S. Wood. It differs from the engravings already referred
to in not showing the candlestick and taper on either side of the
hour glass. A similar remark applies to some impressiona

The PBOVllfCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 173

in wax, presumably of the original ring, given to

Mr. H. "W. Adnitt of Shrewsbury by Mr. Leighton, 1839.

and it must, therefore, be a matter of considerable

doubt whether the engravings are accurate
in this respect. The accompanying woodcut
is a reproduction of the larger one contained
in the Transactions of the Shropshire
Archaeological Society. In one respect the
present ring is undoubtedly inaccurate ; at
the back of the seal the letters W.M. are

engraved, and these certainly ought to be W.L.

On April 13th Bro Joshua P. White was
initiated. The name of Bro. White is one that will 1840.
long be held in loving remembrance by the members of
the Salopian Lodge. Sprung from a Masonic family (both his
great uncle and uncle were, in their respective generations.
Grand Secretary), he early in life joined the Lodge, to which he
continued a subscribing member until the day of his death in
1890. He thus completed the Jubilee of his connection with
the Lodge before the G.A O.T.U called him away from our midst.

On the same evening as Bro. White was initiated
arrangements were made for sending a Committee to London to
try and obtain a Royal Arch Chapter in connection with the
Lodge. This Committee consisted of Bros. J. Carline, S.W.,
Saml. Wood, J.W., T. Carline, W.M., C. B. Teece, and
J. Whitney. The result of their efforts will be noted later on.

The brethren were again dissatisfied with their accommo-
dation at the Lion, and eventually determined to meet for the
future in a room then situate on premises at the rear of the spot
upon which the New Fire Office in High Street is now being
built. This room was accordingly fitted up at considerable
expense.

The dissatisfaction felt by the Salopian Lodge about the

174 FEEEMASONRY IN

non-appointment of a P.G.M. seems to have spread to
1840. the other Lodges in the County, as in September the
Anchor and Hope Lodge, Woore, 644, sent round a
memorial upon the subject.

In this year a subscription of one guinea was given to
the Testimonial to be presented to Bro. Robt. T. Crucifix, M.D.,
P.J.G.D. Bro. Crucifix was the originator of the Asylum
Scheme for the assistance of aged Freemasons.

It is sad to relate that in December a brother resigned on
the ground of "want of leisure and inclination to penetrate
further into the mysteries of the Craft " ; he had been passed,
but not raised. No record of his rejoining the Lodge exists, but
he must have done so, as he acted as W.M. many years
afterwards.

From the Treasurer's accounts we find the Lodge paid for
the erection of a monument over the grave of Bro. Thomas who
had recently died.

Bro. J. P. White was secretary for the year though
184L only an Entered Apprentice. His duties were, however,

light, as nothing of interest took place, and no lodges
were held in the summer months. Two separate attempts were
made to found a Lodge of Instruction, but Shrewsbury was not
destined to possess such a valuable Institution for many years to
come. It is clear, however, that the Salopian Lodge had
recognized the utility of such a Lodge, without which work must
often be slovenly and inaccurate.

The Lodge now appears in the character of a Landlord;
1842. early in the year negotiations were entered into with

the Shrewsbury Glee Club for the use by its members
of one of the Lodge rooms. The terms offered were £5 per annum
for the lower room and £8 for the upper one. The Treasurer
received £4 for the "rent of cottage," but this sum was, I think,
rent for some small building attached to the Lodge rooms.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 175

Another purchase of gauntlets shows that the
officers still wore these appendages. The time when 1842,
they ceased to be worn is not recorded in the minute
books.

A proposal was carried in April that " a little ale be
procured on every regular Lodge night, for the refreshment of
the labouring brethren." This, it is presumed, meant for
consumption during the time lodge was open and work actually
in progress, for the refreshment department at the banquets
seems to have been conducted in the usual manner.

It is curious to note that on the Festival of St. John,
Bro. J. P. "White, who was unable to attend, sent Bro. Clement,
who was not then a subscribing member, to fill the post of Senior
Deacon. Bro. Clement apparently found this opportunity for
Masonic duty pleasant, as he immediately afterwards rejoined
the Lodge.

Pecuniary difficulties were at this period very
great, and many Lodges of Emergency and various 1843.
Committee meetings were held to consider the matter.
The causes of this straitness of means are easily found, as the
Lodge had for two or three years been undoubtedly living far
beyond its income. The rent, coal, and taxes for the new Lodge
Room in High Street amounted to over £30 per annum, which
was nearly if not quite as much as the total amount subscribed
by the members, leaving no margin for charity, refreshment, and
incidental expenses. In addition, the cost of furnishing the Room
had been very great, and as a consequence at the end of the
year a balance of nearly £70 was due to the Treasurer. Under
these circumstances another move became essential, and the
Lodge returned to the Raven and Bell Inn. A subscription list,
which ultimately produced £18, was opened ; several brethren
forgave the Lodge small bills owed to them ; some articles of
non-masonic furniture were sold ; arrears were collected as far as
possible ; and a strict Course of economy was begun. It is

176 FKEKMASONRY IN

pleasant to be able to record that these measures were
1843. effectual, and by the close of the year 1843 the debt

of £70 due to the Treasurer was converted into a
credit balance in his hands amounting to £1 12s. 9d. It is
evident from a study of the history of this period that the
brethren were deeply attached to the Lodge, and determined at all
costs to keep it in existence. In the many meetings held not a
single suggestion was ever made that it should be discontinued.
All worked together manfully and made the necessary pecuniary
sacrifices, and the difficulty was disposed of triumphantly. It
seems that apart from pecuniary questions the move was a wise
one. The rooms were very damp and unhealthy, and in
consequence many members refused to attend. The landlords,
too, recognized only one duty as incident to the ownership of
property, namely that of receiving their rent regularly.

On May 3rd the Lodge forwarded through Bro. Sir A. V.
Corbet, a letter of condolence to Grand Lodge on the death of
the Duke of Sussex, G.M. I have already indicated how
important a part this Royal Brother had played in the Union of
the rival Grand Lodges in 1813, and his efforts for the good of
the Craft fully deserved the recognition which they always
received from the hands of our Masonic ancestors.

Bro. Sir A. V. Corbet was at this time, as I have already
noticed, D.P.G.M. ; a week later he was asked by the Lodge if
he would accept the office of P. G.M. should he be appointed
thereto. At first he seemed inclined so allow himself to be
nominated, but ultimately changed his mind, and declined to act
even after his patent had been sent to him.

A Bro. Nash was in May paid £2 10s. for lectures ; what
the subject of these lectures was I cannot say, as the Secretary
passed them over in silence. Two of his best known lectures on
the "Ladder of Jacob" and "Mount Moriah" are mystical
harangues which scarcely repay perusal.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 177

About the same time the Lodge took a guinea
ticket in the Distribution of the Masonic Fair at Bath, 1843.
but was not successful in winning the magnificent
Masonic furniture, costly jewels, organ, &c. then drawn for,
which had originally been purchased at a cost of £645 15s. Od.,
and used at the Consecration of the Royal Sussex Lodge.

The attempt to obtain a Royal Arch Chapter in connection
with the Lodge was now seriously undertaken and ultimately
proved successful. The Petitions to Grand Chapter then
prepared are full of information ; they are given verbatim, in
connection with the history of the Chapter, at a subsequent page.

Nothing of interest occurred in the year 1844,
being the second in succession in which the chair was 1844-5.
occupied by Bro. S. Wood.

In the beginning of 1845 the brethren went to Wenlock
to attend the funeral of Bro. Hinton.

A brother who applied for a recommendation to the
Benevolent Fund had to be refused as his subscription was in
arrear ; and, " having no further call upon their influence, the
votes and interest of the Lodge for the same fund were left in
the hands of the Grand Secretary.'' The same plan was
subsequently often adopted.

In March it was regularly proposed and carried " that
any Mason not a Member of the Lodge, may be passed or raised
in the Lodge after due notice, for the sum of £2 10s. Od." Two
instances at least might be given of this having been done in
previous years, although no by-law or regulation of the Lodge
allowed of it. The lease of the Old Lodge Room in High Street,
continued to be still a source of trouble, as the Landlords held
the Lodge liable for the rent. A committee appointed in 1844
to settle the matter having neglected to do so was reproached by
the Lodge for their lukewarmness, but eventually cleared them-
selves of this charge, and induced the landlords to cancel the

178 FREEMASONHT IN

lease " on payment of £30 from those brethren who
1844-5. were members of the Lodge at the time the unfortunate

deed was executed, together with the further sum of
£Q 10s. derived from the sale of old furniture." Bro. H. T.
Wace, who was chosen as W.M. for the ensuing year, declined
the honour on the ground of illness, and Bro. J. P. White was
elected in his place. Bro. Wace was initiated in 1838, acted as
W.M. in 1847, was appointed P.G.S. of Works on the formation
of the Province in 1852, and is now the only living officer
appointed on that occasion.

A serious family squabble seems in this year to have

1846. upset the harmony of the Lodge. As a consequence
five resignations, three of which were contained in one

envelope, were received in one day. The cause of this disturb-
ance cannot be exactly described, even if it were desirable to do
so. This much, however, seems clear, that the dissension arose
because some members felt that transactions in public life of
which they did not approve, rendered those taking part in such
transactions unfit for Lodge honours.

A subscription was raised to present Bro. Thomas Groves,
who was then Mayor of Shrewsbury, with his portrait. The
portrait proved to be an excellent likeness, and after hanging
on the walls of the Lodge room for several years, was ultimately
presented to Bro. Groves, and it is now in the possession of his
family.

The minutes for several lodges held in this year contain
the names of visitors from the Roden Lodge, Wem, which had
just been warranted. This Lodge we know from other sources
had a very short active existence, and all mention of it ceases in
the same year, though it was not formally erased till 1859.

Contemporary history is illustrated by an entry which

1847. records the payment by the Lodge in February of a
subscription of one guinea towards " the relief of the

Irish and Scotch districts suffering from the scarcity of food."

THE PROVINCE 01" SHROPSHIRE. iTi)

The failure of the potato crop, a fruitful source of
trouble in the Sister Isle, was in this year almost 1847.
complete, and great distress was the natural result.

The Lodge we learn incidentally was at this period in
possession of 48 votes for the Benevolent Fund, which, following
the precedent established in 1845, were left in the hands of the
Grand Secretary to use as he thought fit.

In December the Lodge wrote to the other Lodges in the
Province on the subject of the non-appointment of a P.G.M.
The entry relative to this matter has been fully considered in
the Provincial History, but I may here, perhaps, repeat that it is
chiefly interesting as showing that only three Lodges in all were
in working order at this date, viz. — 262, 117, and the Roden
Lodge, Wem.

Very little of any interest took place during this
period. Lodges were not held very regularly, and few 1848-50
members attended to their Masonic duties. In Jan.,
1848, only three members and the Tyler attended ; the Lodge
was, nevertheless, opened in the 3rd degree, bnt no work was
done.

In 1849 the sum of £3 3s. Od. was voted towards a
testimonial to Bro. Wm. Henry White, G.S. Bro. White had
on several occasions placed the Lodge under great obligations to
him. He was most active in supporting the Petition for the
Chapter in 1843, and subsequently presented to the joint
Province of North Wales and Shropshire the handsome Sword
now in the possession of the Province of Shropshire. The Rev.
E. H. Dymock, afterwards for many years D.P.G.M., was elected
W.M. for the year 1851.

In February, 1851, occurs the first mention of
the name of the late R.W.P.G.M., Sir Watkin Williams 1851.
Wynn, Bart. In that month the Lodge invited him to
allow himself to be nominated for the ofiice he afterwards filled

180

PEEEMASOIfRY IM

SO successfully, and, in December, when a visitor,
1851. an intimation was received from him that he would
accept the post if appointed.

In this year, also, was consummated a most curious incident

in the history of the Lodge, namely, the amalgamation with the

Salopian Lodge of Charity ; the joint Lodge thus formed

retaining both Warrants. The minute books of both Lodges are

strangely silent as to the reasons for and negotiations previous to

this amalgamation. It appears, however, that on the 5th of

May a meeting of the subscribing members of both Lodges was

held for the purpose of taking into consideration measures best

calculated to promote the speedy union of the two Lodges. At

this meeting Bro. J. N. Heathcote, W.M., 135, and Bro. E. H.

D3m!iock, 328, presided. A resolution having been carried that

the amalgamation would materially benefit Freemasonry in the

County, a series of regulations for the management of the joint

Lodge were made. Of these I may quote four —

l.st — "That the Salopian Lodge, 328, should have priority of number and
take precedence of the Salopian Lodge of Charity."

2nd — " That Bro. Dymock should continue in the chair until his year of
office should expire, and that Bro. Heathcote should succeed him."

3rd — " That after the proposed amalgamationi in the event of a distant dis-
solution, an Arbitrator should be chosen from among the Brethren
representing the interests of each Lodge to decide upon the meiits of
the evidence produced, whose decision should be considered iiual."

4th — " That an inventory of the property belonging to each Lodge should be
taken and numbered, and that such of the Lodge furniture of No.
133 should be used in the Amalgamated Lodge as should be
required ; that the remainder be safely put aside, with this under-
standing, that, in the event of a separation, each Lodge shouhl
claim and be allowed by the arbitrators its own furniture, and be
placed on exactly the same position regarding the Jewels and
Furniture as before the amalgamation."

Upon these terms the union took place, and took effect
from the October meeting of 328. Frotn that date the minute
books contain the names of brethren of 135 present at and
voting in the proceedings of the Salopian Lodge. The presence
of these names in such an informal way renders it very difficult
to obtain an absolutely correct list of the bona fide members of
the latter Lodge.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. I8l

In January a Committee of the two Lodges was
formed to consider new by-laws for the joint Lodge, but 1852.
it is doubtful if this Committee ever proceeded to work,
for in February we find the first traces of the dissolution of the
union. It was then proposed to hold a Lodge of Emergency at
the end of the month to consider the whole question of the
amalgamation. This was accordingly done, and a resolution
carried unanimously thereat " that the "Warrant of 135 be given
with a sufficiency of furniture for carrying on the said Lodge to
any number of Brethren not less than seven who may be
approved of by the Brethren of Lodge 328." The reason for this
sudden dissolution is stated in a pencil note at the end of the
minute book to have been due to a private communication from
the Grand Secretary, to the effect that the amalgamation was
illegal. Living witnesses of the event have, however, informed
me that the first steps towards separation were taken at the
instigation of Sir Watkin Wynn, who, in preparing, as he then
was, for the post of Provincial Grand Master, could not but
regret the loss of precedence to the Province involved in the
probable erasure of such a low number as 13-5 from the roll of
Lodges under his care. On the separation being effected, it is
clear that many of the former members of 135 preferred to
remain under the banner of 328, and, as a consequence, the former
Lodge was for some time in a precarious condition. At its first
meeting in March it was, however, intimated that several
members of 328 had joined it to help to keep it going until more
prosperous times set in. These joining members were welcomed
warmly and admitted for a very small subscription. In a very
few years No. 135 was in full working order again, and has ever
since continued to flourish. This amalgamation was, I believe,
the foundation of the real feeling of friendliness existing between
the two Lodges — a friendliness never disturbed by the petty
jealousies and squabbles so common between two Lodges in a
small town.

The establishment of the Provincial Grand Lodge of

182 FREEMASONRY IN

Shropshire and North Wales caused a great influx of

1852. joining members about this period. The Salopian
Lodge was evidently then regarded as the leading

Lodge, and the chief avenue leading to Provincial honours.
As a consequence it may be noted that the Lodge had for
the following few years more subscribing members than at
any other period of its existence. In 1852 there were at least
55 on the roll. The influence of the P.G.M. was soon apparent
in the higher social position of the new members of the Lodge.
During the period 1850 to 1870 it may safely be asserted that
scarcely one of the Shropshire County families was without a
representative belonging to the Craft.

On Dec. 29th the two Shrewsbury Lodges with the then
newly established Lodge at Admaston (now 601) joined in
celebrating the Festival of St. John. On this occasion 51
brethren attended the banquet.

The gift of two guineas from the Mayor of Shrewsbury

1853. to the Widows and Orphans Fund is worth recording,
as His Worship was not a member of the Craft. His

example in this respect is imitated more rarely than it deserves
to be.

The initiation fee was now raised to 5 guineas.

In April Bro. Walter Reginald Corbet, son of Sir A. V.
Corbet, was initiated just before he left England for the Crimea.
The next time he was heard of by the Lodge was when the sad
intelligence arrived that he had died on his way home again.

On October 26th was held the first Provincial Grand
Lodge meeting in Shrewsbury since the date of the installation
of the P.G.M. The Lodge worked two initiations and a passing,
so that with the Provincial business a heavy afternoon's work
was got through. In this and the previous years Grand Masonic
Balls were held in Shrewsbury, the attendance in both instances
being exceedingly large.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 183

When the Auditors had examined the Lodge
accounts for 1853, it was found that the Treasurer 1854.
had in his hands a balance of £108. Of this sum 10
guineas was sent to the Masonic Institution for Boys, and private
subscriptions amounting to 25 guineas were added thereto; £10
was also voted to the Patriotic Fund raised for our Crimean
Army. A considerable part of the balance was spent in laying
down wine for the use of the Lodge, a cellar to store it in, at the
Raven and Bell Inn, being provided only upon payment of a
heavy corkage fee. This was the beginning of the Lodge cellar.
It is evident from the report of the Wine Committee on this
occasion, that the Brethren then, as now, had a weakness for
Port. The Wine " Whip " at this time seems to have varied in
amount accovding to the quantity consumed. — No wine, it may
be noticed, was allowed to be taken from the cellar after 10 p.m.

Bro. Guise, in October, presented the Lodge with a floor
cloth prepared from a beautiful design by Bro. Randal.

Bro. Heathcote was presented with a P.M. jewel and
plate, with a suitable inscription, for his services to the Lodge.

Bro. Churchill the W.M. who had been seriously
ill for some time, died on Jan. 9th, during the time 1855.
the Lodge was at work. On his decease, Bro. Guise
was elected to fill the vacant chair, and at the next meeting the
Lodge appeared in Masonic mourning. The round bottomed
decanters now in the possession of the Lodge were a present
from Bro. Churchill. Bros. Chandler and Andrew, old and
respected members of the Lodge, also died on a Lodge night, as
many of my readers will doubtless remember.

The Lodge was again in mourning in October on account
of the death of Bro. Sir A. V. Corbet, who survived but a short
time the death of his son already noticed. Bro. Corbet had been
a subscribing member from his initiation in 1820, and had
always taken a keen interest in all that concerned the Craft.

184 FREEMASONRY IN

In August a great Masonic picnic was held on the

1855. Wrekin. Masonic festivities were at this time largely
patronized.

The following minute is a curious one — •" The Lodge being
in the 3rd degree it was then called back to the 1st degree in
order to elect a Master for the ensuing year, when the present
W.M. (Bro. Guise) was unanimously re-elected and received the
congratulations of the Brethren, and the Lodge being recalled to
its duties in the 3rd degree, the W.M. was installed and received
the usual honours. The Lodge was then closed down to the 1st
degree." The power vested in the W.M. of a Lodge to "call
back" into a lower degree, is, I think, rarely used in Shropshire.

In January, a P.M. jewel, purchased out of the Lodge

1856. funds, was presented to Bro. J. L. Rowland for his
valuable services as Secretary. The Brethren of the

Lodge may be interested to hear that Bro. Rowland in addition
to being a good Mason, was an excellent amateur wood carver,
and that to his skill and kindness they are indebted for the
handsome snuff box they now occasionally use.

In many Lodges held during the year lectures on the
tracing boards were given by the W.M. (Bro. Guise), in the
absence of any regular work — a practice which might well be
adopted more frequently in the present day.

The Festival of St. John in December was not celebrated
till the following month, when the R.W.P.G.M. and many of his
officers honoured the Lodge with their presence.

Bro. Dovaston was initiated in this year — he is now the
senior subscribing member of the Lodge.

The Lodge now again changed its quarters from the

1857. Raven and Bell Inn to the Lion Hotel. In March
Bro. Guise was presented with a P.M. jewel. He

thoroughly deserved this compliment as he had worked and
continued to work well for the Lodge and also for the Province.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 185

The Brethren seem about this thne to have lost
their taste for music, as they decided they had no 1857.
longer any use for the organ, and presented it to Bro.
Bloxam, who had for many years filled the post of Organist.

A Provincial Grand Lodge was held in Shrewsbury on
August 8th, it was, as then usual, held in a Craft Lodge. The
method seems to have been this — The Craft Lodge having been
duly opened by its officers, the R.W.P.G.M. attended by his
Officers entered in procession. The P.G. Officers then assumed
the posts vacated by the Lodge Officers, and the P.G. Lodge was
duly opened — and, when its business was finished, duly closed.
The P.G. Officers then retired, and the Craft Lodge work was
resumed.

In October the Brethren assembled in mourning for Bro.
Rowland who had just died.

In January the following entry occurs : — " The
Lodge was then opened in the 2nd degree and almost 1858.
immediately afterwards was closed in that degree.
Bro. Riou Benson having answered the necessary questions then
retired and the Lodge again opened in the 2nd degree." This
indicates a small mistake in ritual which will be easily recognized.

Bro. Charles George "VVingfieldy whose recent death is so
universally regretted, joined the Lodge in this year, and remained
a subscribing member until his death.

On April 5th Wynnstay, the residence of the R.W.P.G.M ,
was burnt to the ground, and on the 12th of the same month an
address of condolence was sent to him by the Lodge. The
following passage from this address sufficiently indicates the
feelings of the Brethren : —

" But one sentiment pervaded the hearts of all the Bretlu-en present,
and it showed itself by an unanimous desire to express to j-on Right Worship-
ful Sir our feelings of sincere sympathy, earnest condolence, and heartfelt
thankfulness ; sincere sympathy with you in having now to look upon the
ashes of that noble pile of building so dear to you from the earliest

186 FREEMASONRY IN

associations and ancient family recollections and so suddenly

1858. reduced to ashes by the ruthless flames— earnest condolence at the
enormous loss (yea in many things irreparable) of so vast an

amount of valuable property — and above all our heaitful thankfulness that
under God"s Good Providence you yourself and Lady Wynn and the guests
and inmates of your House, have been preserved alive amid the perils of that
fearful night."

In the following month this address was suitably
acknowledged by the R.W.P.G.M.

The by-law referring to the election of new members was
in this year altered — it being then finally settled, as is now the
law, that one blackball in ten should exclude any proposed
candidate.

An election to the post of Physician to the Salop

1859. Infirmary took place early in this year. The vote of
the Lodge was " left to the W.M. to vote as he may

think proper."

The Lodge, owing to the Lion being without a tenant, now
moved to the Raven Hotel. Considerable difficulty was
experienced as to the proper disposal of the Lodge wine, as the
Raven authorities refused to store it. Ultimately it was sold by
private auction amongst the members, and with part of the
proceeds a quantity of new furniture and jewels was purchased.

A new by-law was now added to those already existing.
It provided " that it shall be one of the duties of the W.M.
regularly to attend the Quarterly Communication of Grand
Lodge, or in his stead a P.M. or one of his Wardens as he may
deem fit to appoint. The travelling expenses being borne by the
Lodge Fund."

An old minute book, entrusted to Bro. Oakley for

1860. presentation to the Lodge, was gladly accepted. This
book cannot now be identified.

A Finance Committee sat in the latter part of the year,
but their report is not given by the Secretary. One result

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIRE. 187

of this report is, however, discernible in the fact
that the compulsory attendance of the W.M. at the 1860.
Quarterly Communications was now reduced to twice
in the year.

The R.W.P.G.M. honoured the Lodge with his presence
on the Festival of St. John in December. His attendance at the
Installation Ceremony was very constant.

On a further consideration of the new by-law
referring to the attendance of the W.M. at Grand 1861.
Lodge, it was entirely rescinded.

A vote for 15 years for the Royal Masonic Benevolent
Institution was purchased by the efforts of Bro. Onions, who
exerted himself to collect from the Brethren the sum necessary
for that purpose. The portrait of Bro. Groves already referred
to was now presented to him.

The costly and handsome set of mauls at present
used by the Lodge was in this year presented by Bro. 1862.
H. V. Jones, and a record of his kindness was entered
on the minutes.

Bro. Brightwell, who had for many years filled the post
of Treasurer in the most able manner, was voted an acknowledg-
ment of his services; a presentation was also made to him, but of
what nature is not recorded. The sum of £10 was also given to
the Lancashire Relief Pund. The old ring, presented by Bro.
Granville Jones in 1839, was lost by the W.M. whilst on a visit
to London, and a copy had to be procured as already mentioned,
but this was not done till 1865.

A Provincial Grand Lodge was held in the
Salopian Lodge in January. 1863.

From this year the meeting of the Lodge in May was
discontinued, and the present system of meeting only in the
months from October to April was adopted.

188 FEEEMASONRY IN

The last formal renumbering of all the Lodges was now

1863. carried out by Grand Lodge. In this renumbering the
Salopian Lodge 328 became 262.

Bro. Wingfield was in this year W.M. At his installa-

1864. tion 43 subscribing members of the Lodge were present.
This is the largest number of subscribing brethren ever

present in the history of the Lodge.

A proposition that " members living more than ten miles
from Shi'ewsbury and who had been subscribers for ten years,
should only pay for the future a subscription of 5/- per annum,
and 5/- for each banquet attended by them," was almost
unanimously negatived.

From this date the dues were paid yearly instead of
quarterly.

Bro. Cureton, who was now a very old man, and had acted
as Tyler for many years, was granted an allowance of 31- a week
for the remainder of his life. He did not long enjoy the
allowance as he died in February, 1867.

These were three very prosperous years, during which
1865-6-7 plenty of work was done, and the average attendance

of members reached its maximum. From the point of
view of a historian they are, however, uninteresting, as little out
of the ordinary routine of Lodge life took place. A study of the
list of new members supplies practically the whole Lodge history.
I may, however, note that Bro. Randal, P.M. was presented with
a jewel for his valuable services, and that Bro. Guise, P.M.
failing to get a reversal of the decision of the Lodge, given in
1864, on the subject of a reduced subscription for old members,
even though he offered many different modifications of the
original proposition, resigned.

In March the sum of £2 2s. Od. was subscribed to the

1868. Palestine Exploration Fund ; and in December £10

was voted to the Zetland Memorial, The Earl of

THE FUOVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 189

Zetland was D.G.M. in 1839, Pro. G.M. in 1840
under the Duke of Sussex, and G.M. from 1843 to 1871. 1868.
On his voluntary retirement in the latter year an
address was presented to him. " The address was supplemented
by a testimonial consisting of the sum of £2730, together with a
silver inkstand ; the latter passing into the possession of the
Earl, and the former constituting the ' Zetland Fund ' for the
relief of distinguished brethren who might become distressed — of
which the disposal was to rest with Lord Zetland, and after him
the Grand Master for the time being, "(i'

In this and for several years afterwards a curious mistake
was made by the respective secretaries in noting the installation
of the W.M. for the time being. This mistake is contained in
the following sentence, which occurs in the minutes for each
successive year. — " The Lodge was then opened in the third and
past masters' degree.'' At the Union in 1813 it was "declared
and pronounced, that pure Ancient Masonry consists of three
degrees and no more ; viz. — those of the Entered Apprentice,
the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason, including the Supreme
Order of the Holy Royal Arch." Installation is therefore a
ceremony only and not a degree.

A most unpleasant incident occurred in this
year in the black balling of the son of an eminent 1869.
member of the Lodge when proposed for membership, a
dispensation having been obtained for his initiation, though
under age. The resignation of the father was, of course,
immediately given, but some explanation evidently took place, as
the minute referring to his resignation was not confirmed, and he
remained a member of the Lodge for some time afterwards.

For the first time in the history of the Lodge its
W.M. (Bro. G. W. Fisher) attended the Festival of the 1870.
Royal Masonic Institution for Boys, and took with him
a subscription of ten guineas.

(1) Gould vol. iii., p. 25.

190 FREEMASONRY IN

On October 10th the Lodge once more began to meet

1870. regularly at the Lion Hotel, being obliged to leave the
Raven Hotel through the " refusal of the proprietors

to comply with its not unreasonable requirements."

The sum of £/i was voted to the Widow of Bro. Boulter
Brearey, who had been initiated in the Lodge in the year 1820.

An elaborate report was in January presented by a

1871. Committee appointed to deal with the question of
arrears, no less a sum than £119 being then unpaid.

As a consequence of this report the names of several brethren
were erased, only about £16 being ultimately recovered.

Bro. Mallard died in this year ; he had been Tyler since
the year 1824, with one short interval caused by the bringing of
the unfounded charge of stealing wine against him.

The W.M. (Bro. Cecil Peele) presented the Lodge with
the handsome Ballot Box now in use.

The present system of considering the " Whip " paid after
the banquets as belonging exclusively to the Wine Fund, and
not to the General Fund of the Lodge, was at this time adopted.

1872. The by-laws were now once more raised.

In Nov. the present R.W.P.G.M., Sir Offley Wakeman,
Bart, was elected a joining member of the Lodge. He has held
in succession every office in the Lodge from I.G. to W.M , and in
each and all of these proved himself an excellent working mason.
The Lodge is proud to still number him amongst its subscribing
members.

Bro. R. M. Hickman died in this year, and a warm letter
of sympathy and regret was written to his family.

In April Bro. Alfred Salwey of Ludlow, late Chairman

1873. of the Quarter Sessions for the County of Salop, and
now Chairman of the County Council, was elected a

Joining member.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSIIIEE. 191

At the same meeting the account presented by
the Clerk of the Peace for the County for recording the 1873,
list of members of the Lodge was ordered to be paid.
This is the only reference in the Lodge books to the legal necessity,
still insisted on, of registering the names of all members of Lodges
in accordance with the provisions of the Secret Societies Act,
1799. Such registration was one of the conditions attached by
the Legislature to the exemption of Masonic Bodies from the
provisions of that Act.

With the view of dispensing casual relief upon an uniform
system, arrangements were now made with 117 that the Almoner
of that Lodge should also discharge the duties of that office for
262, the two Lodges to share the expense equally between them.
This arrangement still continues, and is certainly a most useful
one, as it prevents the indiscriminate distribution of Charity.

A donation of £10 10s. Od. to the Royal
Masonic Institution for Girls was voted in April, and 1874.
the sum of £5 to the sister of a deceased member
of 117 in October.

Bro. E. Cresswell Peele, W.M. presented the
Lodge with a Past Master's jewel, and received the 1875.
thanks of the Lodge therefor.

A donation of £10 10s. Od. was voted to the Royal
Masonic Institution for Boys in February.

New collars were provided for the use of the Officers.

In this year H.R.H. The Prince of Wales was installed
as Grand Master. The Lodge on this occasion was represented
by Bros. E. C. Peele, W.M., J. H. Redman, S.W„ E. M.
Wakeman, J.W., J. B. Cooper, J.D., Sir Offley Wakeman,
W. Blakeway, P.M., E. Andrew, P.M., and J. P. White, P.M.

The Lodge now began a regular Subscription
to the North Wales and Shropshire Charitable 1876.
Association.

192 FREEMASONRY IN

On May 5th a Lodge of Emergency was held ; it was

1876. attended by both Lodges in Shrewsbury, and addresses,
congratulating him on his recovery from his prolonged

illness, were presented to the R.W.P.G.M. Sir Watkin "Wynn.
One passage from that presented by 262 may be quoted : — "We
beg respectfully to offer you a most cordial welcome to the Province
on this our first Masonic gathering since your return, and unite
in an earnest hope that you may long be enable to fulfil those
high duties in the Craft which you have for so lengthened a
period discharged in the Province. Under your rule and
guidance the Craft has greatly prospered and extended in this
and neighbouring Counties, and we sincerely trust that for
many long years to come we may have the honour and pleasure
of working under a Provincial Grand Master so kind as you
have ever evinced yourself." This was more than language of
mere empty compKment, for it expressed the real feelings of
every thinking Mason in the Province.

1877. The W.M. Bro. E. M. Wakeman, presented the Lodge
with the dagger now used by the I.G.

Bro. John Nigel Heathcote, P.P.G.J.W., died after a
long and useful Masonic life. He was W.M. of 117 in the
year 1851, of 262 in the following year, in which year also he
was appointed the first P.G.J.W. of the then new Province of
North Wales and Shropshire. Few of our deceased brethren
were more industrious or better Masons.

The Lodge voted the sum of 20 guineas, to which another
5 guineas was added in following year, towards the Sir Watkin's
Presentation Pund, collected to celebrate the completion by the
R.W.P.G.M. of 25 years of Office in his exalted post.

This is the last year in which the rejection of a proposed
Candidate for initiation took place.

THE PROVINCE OP SHKOPSHIRE. 193

Nothing of any interest is recorded in this year
in reference to the Lodge. It was, however, an eventful 1878.
year in the history of the Craft, as in it the difference
between the Grand Lodge of England and the Grand Orient
of France led to the final rupture between the two bodies.
The Grand Orient substituted absolute liberty of conscience,
instead of a belief in the existence of God, as its one fundamental
religious principle, and the Grand Lodge of England was
therefore forced to direct all its subordinate Lodges not to
admit to their meetings any brother, unless (1) he had been
duly initiated in a Lodge professing belief in the existence of
the G.A.O.T.U., and (2) himself professed that belief. Every
Lodge was ordered to insert such direction on its minutes, and
to see that it was carefully observed.

The transfer of £20 from the Lodge Fund to the
Wine Fund in this year shows that in 1879, as well 1879.
as in 1889, the Wine Whip was sometimes insufficient
to cover the expense of the quantity of wine consumed. In the
latter year, however, the difficulty was met in a different way.

The death of Bro. Samuel Wood severed another link
that bound the Lodge to the remote past. Bro. Wood, well-
known in Shrewsbury as an eminent Surgeon, was initiated in
1838, filled the chair in 1843 and the following year, and took
an active part in the foundation of the Salopian Chapter, 262.
He was P.G.A.D. of C. in 1852-3, and P.G.J. W. in 1856-7.

Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart., the W.M., presented 1880.
the Lodge with some new collars.

Once more the appointment of a Committee to deal with
the large number of Subscribers in arrear may be noted ; but,
like most of its predecessors for the same purpose, its efforts
were productive of little good.

At this time the Deacons took an inventory of the

194 FREEMASONRY IN

Lodge furniture and effects, which has, however, not

1880. been preserved. Under the present by-laws that duty
now appertains to the office of the Junior "Warden.

Towards the end of the year the Lodge supported the
petition for the foundation of the Lodge at Newport, which was
consecrated in the following year, and named " The Audley
Lodge." It was the last Lodge in Shropshire founded in the
old joint Province.

For almost the last time we now read of the appoint-

1881. ment of a Committee to make inquiries about the
practicability of getting a Masonic Hall in Shrewsbury,

to be used chiefly for the purpose of the Craft. No report of
their labours in such a good cause is recorded, but the result
is evident, inasmuch as the Hall still remains unbuilt. Of the
utility of such a building there can be no doubt, and the
Brother, if any, who will in the future be mainly instrumental
in procuring its establishment, will lay the Masons of Shrewsbury
under an obligation, which no gratitude they can give him will
ever discharge.

An inventory of the old Lodge books was taken in this
year, but it, like all similar documents of prior date, has
disappeared.

A subscription of ten guineas was voted to the

1882. Institution for girls, and was placed on the list of the
R.W.P.G.M. who attended the festival as a steward.

1883. Bro. J. P. White for the second time filled the chair
in this year.

The great growth of the Craft in the Joint Province
now led to a general desire that it should be divided,
as it was found inconvenient to work so large a district

THE PUOVINCE OF SHUOPSHIKE. 195

from one centre. However, tha Salopian Lodge in
answer to a letter from the Segontium Lodge, Carnar- 1883.
von, 606, replied — "That whilst the Lodge cordially
agrees with the desirability of separating the Province of North
Wales and Shropshire, they consider the present time in.
opportune, and would defer any discussion thereon, until our
respected P.G.M., Sir Watkin Wynn, Bart., P.G.M., is in a
better state of health."

The sum of ten guineas was voted to each of the three
Masonic charities for the purchase of permanent votes; the
harmonium now in use was also purchased at an expense
of £19.

The Lodge now began its subscription of 2 guineas
to the Eye and Ear Hospital in Shrewsbury, and another 1884.
ten guineas was invested in the purchase of votes for
the Masonic Institution for Boys. To this Institution the
boy, France, an account of whose satisfactory progress was read
out at the P.G. Lodge held at Ludlow in September, 1891, was
shortly afterwards elected. He was a candidate earnestly
supported by the Salopian Lodge.

The W.M., Bro. R. A. Craig, P.P.G.R., and the
Stewards were appointed to act with a Committee 1885.
appointed by the Salopian Lodge of Charity 117, to
make arrangements for a joint Summer pic-nic. So far as 262
was concerned this pic-nic did not come off ; the Lodge never
appears to have cared for un-masonic festivities.

On the deeply regretted death of the R W.P.G.M., a
letter of condolence was sent to Lady Wynn and was warmly
acknowledged by her.

Bro. Thos. Sullock Stooke was W.M, but his jggg
year of office was a quiet and uneventful onei

196 FREEMASONRY IN

The sum of 25 guineas was voted to the Masonic
1887. Institution, for Girls. In this year the chair at the
Festival of the Institution was taken by the
R W.P.G.M. Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart, P.M.

Bros. Andrew and Chandler both old and valued
members of the Lodge died on the evening of a Lodge meeting.
The former was W.M. in the year 1874 and 1882, and was
P.G.D. in the years 1878-9. The latter was W.M. in 1861,
and acted as P.G.R. in the two following years. It will be
remembered that the same coincidence was noted with respect
to the death of Bro. Churchill in the year 1855.

The Lion Hotel being now closed the Lodge changed its
quarters to the Music Hall, but remained there only for a few
months and then again removed to the old Museum Rooms.

In this year the Lodge celebrated its Centenary. A
18S8. Committee was appointed to consider the best method

of celebrating that most interesting event, and decided
that, in addition to obtaining permission to wear the "Regulation
Centenary Medal," an Initiation Ceremony should be worked, and
a sketch of the Lodge History be read prior to the banquet.
To this banquet it was also decided to invite all living members
of the Lodge whether subscribers or not. The Warrant is dated
the 13th of May, 1788, and on the day following, 100 years
afterwards, the Centenary was celebrated. The programme
settled by the Committee was gone through, and Bro. Tredinnick
had the honour of being initiated on such a special occasion, in
the presence of nearly 60 brethren. The sketch of the Lodge
History was prepared and read by Bro. R. A. Craig, P.M.,
P. P.G.R , and was most highly appreciated by the large and
interested audience It dealt chiefly with the social side of
the past life of the Lodge, and with those amusing entries
recorded by the successive Secretaries from time to time, ere
the close supervision of Provincial Grand Lodge had cramped
the development of individual eccentricities in this respect.

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 197

A copy of the Centenary Warrant will be found
amongst the Appendices. It is chiefly remarkable 1888.
from the fact that, doubtless through a desire for
brevity, no mention of the number 434 by which the Lodge
was called from 1792 to 1813 is inserted, and the terms of
the recital referring to the general renumberings in 1832
and 1863, do not disclose that the Lodge was once
numbered 328. The correspondence with the Grand Lodge
prior to the grant of this Warrant was carried out entirely by
Bro. W. E. Harding, P.M., P.P G.W. The only difficulty the
Lodge had to experience was in connection with the years 1831
to 1836. The semi-dormant condition of the Lodge at this
time has been already dealt with on a previous page. It will,
I think, be sufficient here to remark that from the books of
Grand Lodge sufficient evidence was produced to ensure the
grant of the Warrant so eagerly sought for. Such evidence
mainly consisted of entries of payments made by the Lodge
for the period in question. On the books of the Lodge being
placed in the hands of the Grand Secretary for inspection, that
official discovered that the names of many members on the
Lodge Roll had never been registered in Grand Lodge, this
being especially the case between the years 1800 and 1816.
He then suggested that the Lodge would probably like to make
the Register complete, but as the Secretary records : — " The
Brethren did now show that anxiety to have the Registry
complete, as it would mean a considerable payment to Grand
Lodge."

The Lodge was fortunate enough to receive a Centenary
birthday present from the R.W.P.G.M. in the shape of two
decanters, facsimilies of some old ones carefully preserved and
valued by the Lodge.

The W.M., Bro. P. M. Berkeley, PD.G.,
presented the Lodge with an exceedingly handsome 1889.
banner desiged by himself, such presentation being

198 FREEMASONRY IN

intended as a memorial of his year of office. No

1889. gift could have been more acceptable to the Lodge,
as it had never previously possessed such a necessary

ornament.

The wine Fund being in an unsatisfactory state, various
proposals were considered for placing it on a better footing.
These proposals indicated considerable ingenuity on the part
of the brethren proposing them, but ultimately the simple plan
of increasing the wine whip was adopted, and has, I believe,
produced satisfactory results from the Treasurer's point of view.

The death of Bro. J. P. White in this year, though it

1890. was not unexpected, was a great blow to the Lodge.
On his death the last link that bound us to what may

be called our past history was severed ; the Lodge lost a true
hearted member and faithful Mason who had served it well ;
and all of us lost a brother who carried out in every action of
his life the dictates of true Masonic spirit. He was initiated
as we have already seen, in 1840, and was Master in 1846 and
again in 1883. He was also a member of 117, of which Lodge
he filled the chair in the years 1855 and 1857, after having
taken a very prominent part in re-establishing it after the
amalgamation in 1851-2.

He was appointed P.G. Treasurer of the Province of
North Wales and Shropshire in 1852, and continued in that
office till the separation of the joint Province in 1885, he also
occupied the chair of the Senior Warden of the Province in the
year 1883. He was always especially proud of the gold snuff box
presented to him by the Provincial Grand Lodge as already
mentioned, and it has many times circulated round the dinner
table of 262. He frequently expressed his intention of bequeathing
it to the Lodge on his death, but his final Will contained no
reference to the subject, and his representatives refused to
recognize an existing, but informal, expression of his wishes as
binding upon them. The snuff.box was accordingly sold by public

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 199

auction, and fetched the sum of £37, one quite beyond
the reach of the Lodge finances. In the closing year 1890.
of his life Bro. White was unable through illness to
accept an invitation from the two Shrewsbury Lodges to be
present at some celebration of the jubilee of his connection with
the Craft, and the celebration was according allowed to fall
through. Shortly afterwards he passed away to the Celestial
Grand Lodge, his funeral being attended by a large gathering
of Shropshire Masons.

The only other event in this year which I need record is
the gift by Bro. W. E. Harding, P.M., P.P.G.W. of a charity
box in the shape of a column standing on a pedestal. The
efforts of Bro. Harding in the cause of all the Masonic Charities
are unwearying, and he proves a most efficient and energetic
Charity Representative to the Lodge. The box is used for
collecting the donations of the brethren after the banquet, and
the sale of its contents by the "W.M., who acts in a truly
professional manner, is productive of much amusement and
keen competition, if not of profit to the pocket of the brother
who purchases them.

Early in this year the sum of £13 was voted to
pay for the panel placed by the Lodge in the window of 1891.
the Royal Masonic Institution for girls. This window
was erected to celebrate the Centenary of the Institution which,
like the Salopian Lodge, was founded in 1788.

The by-laws were again revised, and, for the first time for
many years, issued in a book form to the members. This book
also contains lists of the Officers, Past Masters, and Subscribing
Brethren of the Lodge.

Such, as best I can tell it, is the history of my mother
Lodge, 262. The history is, I think, full of interest, and
contains evidence of a century of quiet unobtrusive work. If

200 FREEMASONRY IN

my efforts have failed to do justice to my subjeat, that failure
is, the result of inability not of want of love for the task.
If, on the other hand, I have succeeded in any degree in
interesting my brethren, and arousing in them a feeling of
deeper affection for our Lodge, I shall feel that I am amply
rewarded.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 201

List op Masters.

1788— William Neale.
1789—

1 7<)0 / ^illi^Di Neale.
I Thomas Loxdale.

1791 — Thomas Loxdale.

1792— Samuel Jones (S.W. as W.M.)

1793 — Samuel Jones.

1794— Thomas Bassett.

1795— William Taylor.

1796— Richard Phillips.

1797 — John Carline.

1798— Richard Phillips.

179 9— Thomas Bassett.

1800— William Taylor.

, D^l f Thomas Bassett.

) William Clement (elected, but never acted.)

1802— Richard Phillips.
1803— William Taylor.
1804— John Carline.
1805 — Thomas Bassett.
1806— William Taylor.
1807— William Hitchcock.
1808— Henry Linell.
1809 — Thomas Bassett.
1810— Richard Phillips.
1811 —William Taylor.
1812— John Carline.
1813—
1814—

-.r^-iR Richard Phillips.
'^^^^ John Carline.

202 FREKMASOXRY IN

-John Carline.
—William Taylor.
-"William Bowley.
—Thomas Bassett.
—"William Cooper.
-"William Barnes.
-George Morris.

~~ ))

-Thomas Groves.

-Sir Andrew Vincent Corbet, Bart., P.P.G.S."W.

—John Carline, Junr.

-Samuel Johnson.

-James Lawrence.

-John Whitney.

-James Moore.

-William James Clement, P.P.G.S.W.

I No records. The Lodge

probably did not meet, and
the officers elected in 1831

' remained in office till 1836.

-William James Clement, P.P.G.S.W.
-William Cooper.
-Thomas Groves.
-Charles Bowen Teece.
-Thomas Carline.
-William Henry Cooper.
-Henry Bloxam, P.P.G.R.
-Samuel Wood, P.P.G.J.W.

-William Wood.

-Joshua Pugh White, P.P.G.S.W.

-Henry T. Wace, P.P.G.S. of W.

~ J)

-William Brightwell, P.P.G.S.W.

-William Burr, P.P.G.J.W.

-Rev. Edward H. Dymock, P.D.P.G.M.

THE PROVINCE OP SIIROPSHIllE. 203

1852— John Nigel Heatlicote, P.P.G.J.W.

1853— John Broughall, P.P.GR.

1854— George Gordon, P.P.G. Std. B.

1855— Benjamin Churchill, P.P.G.D. of C.

1856— Rev. George C. Guise, P.P.G.C.

1857— William Harley Bayley, P.P.G.J.W.

1858— John Lawrence Randal, P.P.G.S.W.

1859— Rev. John Hinton Bluck, P.P.G.C.

I860— Rev. WlUiam Elliot, P.P.G.D. of 0.

1861— Charles Chandler, P.P.G.R.

1862— Robert Niccolls, P.P.G.P.

1863— Rev. W. B. H, Bulkeley-Owen, P.P.G.J.W.

1864— Charles George Wingfield, P.P.G.S.W.

1865— Charles Oakley, P.P.G. Swd. B.

1866— Edward Tipton, P.P.G.R.

1867— Thomas K. Gardner.

1868— R. Jasper More, P.P.G. Steward.

1869— WilUam Eddowes.

1870— Rev. George W. Fisher, P.P.G.C.

1871— Cecil Peele.

1872— William Blakeway, P.P.G.J.W.

1873— John Davies Harries, P.P.G. Std. B.

1874— Edwyn Andrew, P.P.G.S.W.

1875— Edmund Cresswell Peele, P.P.G.J.W.

1876— Joseph H. Redman, P.P.G.J.W.

1877— Edward M. Wakeman, P.P.G.S.W.

1878— Henry Newman, P.P.G. Steward.

1879— Henry Charles Clarke, P.P.G.R.

1880— Sir Oifley Wakeman, Bart., R.W.P.G.M.

1881— W. E. Stuart, P.P.G.S.D.

1882— Edwyn Andrew, P.P.G.J.W.

1883— Joshua Pugh White, P.P.G.S.W.

1884— William Edward Harding, P.P.G.J.W.

1885— Robert A. Craig, P.P.G.R.

1886— Thomas S. Stooke.

201 FREEMASONRY IN

1887— Arthur Lowcock, P.P.G.S. of W.
1888— John Avery, P.P.G.J.W.
1889— Paul Maurice Berkeley, P.G.S.D.
1890— Arthur E. Lloyd Oswell, P.G.S. of W.
1891— Wyndham Deedes, P.G. Steward.
1892— James Edward Smith.

THE PllOVINCE OF SHROPSHIUE. 205

THE SALOPIAN CHAPTER, 262.

The Charter for this Chapter, working in connection with
the Salopian Lodge, was granted on May 17th, 1843. The
history of the Royal Arch in Shrewsbury is set out very clearly
in the Petitions forwarded to Grand Chapter before the Charter
was granted. These Petitions are inserted in the minutes of the
Lodge for May 8th, and are as follows : —

" The Petition of the members of the Salopian Lodge No. 328.

To the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of

England

Sheweth

That your petitioners have
existed as a Lodge of Craft Masons since July 1788. That in
1797 the brethren determined to hold a Royal Arch Chapter
which for a few years regularly met. Circumstances with which
we need not trouble the Grand Chapter caused its discontinuance.
In the year 1820 the companions of the Chapter, including
several who had been companions at its commencement, resumed
it, and continued to meet until 1830, without being aware that
they were in the slightest degree infringing any of the statutes
of the Order. The impression on the minds of the so constituted
companions being that they had a right to exalt any members of
the Salopian Lodge. Upon hearing to the contrary their
meetings ceased. We name this to show that any infringement
of the constitutions was inadvertent on their parts. Our humble
prayer therefore is that the Supreme Grand Chapter will allow
all the companions exalted in such Chapter attached to the
Salopian Lodge, who are now alive, to be duly registered on their
paying the usual fees to the Supreme Chapter. In consequence
of there being no regularly registered Royal Arch Mason in
Shrewsbury, with the exception of two of the members of this

206 FEEEMASONHY IN

Lodge who were exalted in London for the purpose of obtaining
a Chapter, and also from the circumstance of the Agenorian
Chapter No. 398 Bridgnorth having, as we are informed, ceased
to exist, your petitioners have been induced to adopt the only
course which appears open to them, and which we humbly hope
will be sanctioned by the Supreme Grand Chapter. We your
petitioners firmly believe that Shrewsbury being the county
town, and from other and various causes, that, should the
Supreme Grand Chapter grant our prayer, it will tend greatly to
the advancement of the Craft in the County of Salop."

" To the Supreme Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons
of England —

"We the undersigned being Royal Arch Masons are
desirous of establishing a regular Chapter to be holden in
conformity with the laws and regulations of the Supreme Grand
Chapter of the Order, and, for the convenience of our dwelling,
do pray for a Charter enabling us to meet at the Masonic
Rooms in the Town of Shrewsbury on the 3rd Wednesday in the
months of Octr., Janr., April, & July, to be attached to the
Salopian Lodge No. 328, and we also nominate and recommend
Thos. Groves to be the first Principal Z., Comp. Wm. Cooper to
be the first Principal H., & Comp John Carline to be the first
Principal J.

The prayer of this petition being granted, we promise
strict obedience to the laws of the Grand Chapter and a strict
observance of the ancient Rites and Ceremonies of the Order.

Signed

W. H. White, G.S.E., London.
Wm. Cooper, Shrewsbury.
Thomas Groves
John Carline
Chas. B. Teece
Wm. Wood
Thos. Carline
James Whitney

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE. 207

The date of the introduction of the Royal Arch into
England cannot be definitely stated, approximately it is placed
by Bro. Hughan about the period 1737-1740. The "Ancients"
were acustomed to- work the Ceremony in their ordinary Craft
Lodges, whereas the "Moderns" early separated it from Craft
Masony, and worked in it Chapters holding Charters for that
purpose from a Grand Chapter.

The Salopian Lodge cannot, I think, in 1797, have
adopted the practice of the "Ancients," for not a trace of it
appears in the records, nor, on the other hand, did it follow
the custom of the "Moderns" by working the degree, (as it
was then called), by virtue of a legal constitution from Grand
Chapter; a middle course seems to have been adopted, namely
that of working the Ceremony apart from the Craft Lodge under
the mistaken notion that the Craft Warrant legalized such
working. The fact that only one brother is recorded to have
passed the chair, and this so early as 1790, seems to show that
only the past masters of the Lodge could have been present at
such private working. It may, perhaps, be only a coincidence
that the only visitor described as being a Royal Arch Mason
(G. Bott. 37 St. Pauls, R.A.M.) visited the Lodge twice in
November, 1796, whether or not his presence had anything to
do with the introduction of the Royal Arch into Shrewsbury
in the following year, I cannot say. As at this date Grand
Chapter was not formally recognized by Grand Lodge, the
Salopian Lodge by its working the Royal Arch above mentioned,
did not violate the Laws of the Grand Lodge in any way, but,
in the year 1820, when, according to the first Petition above
quoted, work was resumed, the Grand Chapter had been
formally recognized by the Grand Lodge, and working the
Ceremony without a Charter was clearly irregular. The
minute books contains no reference to the subject, but on the
back cover of an old Steward's book the following is scribbled
in pencil : — " Parcel to London Royal Arch book, 2/6. Same
returned June 4th, 1823, 2/6." I can make no guess what

208 FREEMASONRY IN

this book contained, or to whom it was sent, but the entry
supports the statement, made in the Petition, that between
the years 1820 and 1830, the Royal Arch was worked in
Shrewsbury,

From the minute book of 117 it may be seen, as already
noticed, that two members of that Lodge went to Bridgnorth
to be exalted in the year 1834.(i) These brethren were not
however, subscribing members of their Mother Lodge, and as
the Agenorian Chapter had in the latter year ceased working,
there can be little doubt that the statement contained in the
Petition that there was then no regular registered Royal Arch
Mason in Shrewsbury, was correct.

The founders according to the Charter, were Thomas
Groves, Z ; William Cooper, H ; John Carline, J ; William
Clement, W. H. White, G. Scribe, E ; C. B. Teece, William
Wood, Thomas Carline, and James Whitney. The first
minute book is not now in the possession of the Chapter, and
little is known of its working until the year, 1862. From an
old letter(2) dated 17th August, 1843, addressed to Comp.
J. P. White by Comp. W. H. White, I gather, however, that
the first meeting was held on August 12th, 1843, and that
Comp. W. H. White acted as Z on that occasion. Two
brethren were then exalted. The progress of the Chapter has
been sure and steady, but quiet work, rather than a participation
in notable events, has been its chief characteristic. In 1875
its possessed over 30 members, since which date little variation
in its numbers has taken place.

List of P.Z's.

1862— W. Brightwell.
1863-4-T Onions.
1865— S. Wood.

(1) See ante p. 77 The date, 1843, after the name of Bros. Powis and Dodd is

a mis-print for 1834.

(2) This letter, with other Masonic remains of Bro. Onions, P.M., 117, has been

kindly placed in my bands by Bro. E, Urry, of Shrewsbury.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE. 209

1866-7-T. Phillips.

1868— C. G. Wingfield.

1873— J. P. White.

1873— T. Onions.

1873_\V. Brightwell.

1874 — J. Loxdale Warren.

1875— C. Chandler

1876— G. Gordon Warren.

1877 — E. Andrew.

1878— E. 0. Peele.

1879— J. B. Boucher.

1880— E. M. Wakeman.

1881— J. H. Redman.

1882— E. M. Wakeman.

1883— Sir Offley Wakeman, Bart.

1884— T. W. Thompson.

1885— V. 0. L. Crump.

1886— J. Blockley.

1887— W. E. Harding.

1888— R. G. Venables.

1889— W. Belton.

1890— T. Whitefoot, Junior.

1891^J. H. Parsons.

210

FREEMASONRY IN

ft
o

W
H

Ph
O

^ S
W

t— t
s

>->

O
P?

P^ W -i ji

I— T

;-(

O
60

o
bo

•^

I — I

I- ^

I— I

1 £

-i

.f^

tJ^

ti
g

<-]

( J

■73

K»^

a
o

P5 g

,2 O

•r-l
O

M S

p:i

,£1

1-5

o. to

^ S

,£3

ft
o

o
H

PP
o

.13 -y
Ph P^

3 -g

,J3

,j5

rS^ fJ

3
02

'T3

a
o

>, .B

,^ '3

^ I

S S

o »
H

r— I ^

<D rd

,i4

El
o

60
o

S d
60 g

d cr

<n I— I

.Jd

til

■Ti

,i3
60

^ 5

° d

n 02

o
ft

p:i

•M

-ti

-a
d

■iH

d
©
ft

o
ft
ft

d
<1

i a

THE PROVINCE OF SHEOPSHIRE.

211

d ^

3 •-!

<i>

o
Pi

,i3
-P

o
bo

C4-( O

cj
^

o
PQ

^ -J2

3 1

o
-p cc

-s

T3 TS

a
o
O

o
o

1— H

_ri

PCi

-TJ

-M

-*j

O '13

t ^

« d

a s

,J5

Ei
O

o
o

o
^

-a

■?

t-(

{i>

niJ

.1"

>-'

.;-i

_d
'3

ffl

d
o

as
ca

,J2

d
so

rJ2

a
o

-i^s r-g

tf S

^ o o
- -S ^

odd

f^ o
» p-i

-^ d

d
o

d
o
T3

,J3

T3 1=1

d 2

d
o

00
00

d
o

^ ^

T3
-p

J3
•T3

d
-d

d
o

d
d

I— I
W

a
a

212

FREEMASONEY IN

fi
O
^A

Ph
O

[if
O

H
!zi
«5
P?
P5

P3
o

^
»

,i3

■^

t»

13
O

.9^

i-:i

■ft

a:)

-3

IZ2

-in

o
H

-p

-s

'^S

■s

■^

,i3

•g

■5

-g

.^^

4-3

g
1

1
d

d-
o

"I
d

§3
5

oo"

d
1^

,13

1
ft

aw
O

CO
CD

O
§

1-H
CO
i-H

l-H

'T^

c3
13

cri

4-3

o
ft

CO
00-
l-H

•rH

ft
g

"■43
CO

ffl
lO

d
1^

O
1-^

1— 1
H

O
O

ft
o

d
o

i-:i

<B
43

'Ti

■73

£■

r-H

^
a

-q

>->

ew
O

>■,

5£>

O
'1

P-1

THE PEOVINCE OF SHEOPSHIRE. 213

-P

S .is yi £ a >^

o _5 '5 += "^ ' _S
?u •3 pja -« . -S

o o _ -^ "2 1) d

^ 1 1 -! .a i ^ ":!

s .S « n o S rk ■

o a I ^ -I ^ .s g o M

Sg°^j^, "g -IS

I J : • 1 « 2 2 I i I

® g ■?„ -a ,£3 M ° S3 » s p^

8) -i 3 S g § =^ I g ^ ^ »

3 a H (D » J3

! i I I I g £ I - I ^

I I : I - g .- ^ t -S I

I ^ ^ £ i § s " 4

^g^£s:§s:gal

214 FREEMASONRY IN

[Appendix C]

BYE LAWS FOR THE GOOD RULE AND

GOVERISrMElsrT OF THE SALOPIAN LODGE OF FREE

AND ACCEPTED MASONS, No. 525,

Adopted August 20th, 1788.

1st

Tliis Lodge shall be held at Fox Inn in Shrewsbury from whence it
cannot be removed by any one or more of the Member's of their own accord,
but any one or more may mention to the Master the rea.son of their dislike
to meet there any more of which ho is to acquaint the Lodge when a
majority of the members present at that time on the List may determine
whether it is to continue there or to be removed.

2nd

The Lodge is to meet on the first Tuseday in every Month in the
year in the Months of March, April, May, June, July, August and September
at Eight o'clock and close at Ten and in all the other Months at Six and
close at Nine and no Brother shall remain in the Lodge-Room on a
Lodge-Night after Eleven o'Clock under the penalty of Two Shillings and
Sixpence for each offence.

3rd

This Lodge is to have according to ancient custom a Master and officers
(viz) two Wardens, two Deacons, a Steward a Secretary, a Treasurer, a
grand and deputy Tyler, also subscribing and honorary Members, the Officers
shall be chosen annually on the lodge night preceding Saint John the
Evangelist, the Master to be elected out of such of the subscribing Master
Masons who shall have served the Office of Wardens, the lodge to elect the
two Wardens and Treasurer and the Master to appoint the other Officers,
the Master and Officers to be installed and enter upon their respective
Offices on the day of Saint John the Evangelist.

4th

The Master shall £;overn and regulate the lodge in a Mason like
manner agreeable to the Book of Constitutions set forth and authorized
by the Grand Lodge of England from time to time and it ' is strictly
recommended to all the Members of this lodge to pay the greatest attention
to the Worshipful Master and duly to observe the Senior and Junior
Wardens, therefore at the Master's request every one must submit to
order, and no more than one must speak at a time, that thej' address
the master and not continue more than five minutes speaking with out his
permission, in case two or more shall rise to' speak the Master shall appoint
who is to speak first, and all the others shall submit to order under the
penalty of two Shillings and Sixpence.

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE 215

5th

The Master when the business and welfare of the lodge I'equires it
shall appoint out of the subscribing Members a Committee to enquire into
sueli business which shall at some short convenient time make snch enquires
and collect such information as may be ottered and applicable thereto,
and report the same at the grand lodge Night next afterwards for their
consideration, the expencea of which Committee shall be paid out of the
fund of the Lodge.

6th

The Master on request shall call Lodges of Emergency And shall
cause the business to be inserted in the Summonses the expence of which
shall be borne by the person requesting such lodge to be callol, unless when
the Master shall call it on some particular business of the Lodge and then
it shall be defrayed out of the fund of the Lodge.

7th

The Master shall not neglect to set his men to work and to instruct
them by Seasonable Lectures in the grand principles of Masonry under such
penalties as the Wardens and Brethren shall think proper.

8th

The Wardens and ofiGcers of the Lodge shall duly attend each lodge
Night under such penalty as the Master and Brethren shall think proper
for each neglect.

9th

In case of the absence of any of the officers the Master shall appoint
out of the subscribing Master Masons another or others in the room of
Absentee or Absentees for that Night only.

10th

In the absence of the Master the Senior Warden shall officiate as
Master, in his absence the Junior Warden and in the absence of the Junior
Warden the past Master or oldest Master Mason shall officiate as Master.

nth

Upon the election of officers and in all other cases when the Master
shall direct a poll to be taken and the Votes shall be equal, the Master shall
have a casting Vote.

12th

The Master shall fine any brother who shall enter the Lodge disguised
In liquor in the sum of one Shilling and order him to depart the Lodge for
that Night and he shall severely reprimand any Brother who shall curse,
swear or make nse of any prophane, obscene, or indecent language in the
lodwe and fine him in the sum of one Shilling for the first oifence and for the
second he shall expel him the Lodge.

216 FREEMASONRY IN

13th

The Master upon such Bfotlier making due submission and paying
,five shillings to the fund of the Lodge shall cause a Ballot to be taken by
the Senior Deacon aud if it appear that two thirds of the Members then
present shall be for his readmission he shall be readmitted but if otherwise

he shall not and shall have the live shillings returned.

14th

The Secretary shall enter the proceedings of each Night in the Lodge
Book shall mention in what degree of Masonry the Lodge was opened, and
shall read the proceedings of the general lodge Night next preceding, and
likewise such proceedings if any, as shall have been entered in the Book
subsequent thereto. He shall send Summonses to the subcribing Members
oue day at least before any general lodge Night. He shall obey the master
in sending summonses for a lodge of emergency and specify tlierein the
particular business of such Lodge.

15th

The Treasurer shall receive and pay all sums of money that shall be
received and paid by or on account of the Lodge and enter the sanje in a
Book or Books to be kept for that purpose, which shall be open on general
Lodge Nights for the inspection of the Members of the Lodge. He shall pay
no Bills on account of the Lodge but such as shall have beeu signed by the
Master. He shall give np to the Master and Lodge at the end of the year
for which he hath been chosen Treasurer or on another Treasurer having
been chosen in his room, a fair, just and true account of monies received
and paid by him, also Vouchers for such sums of money as he shall have
paid together with the said Books of Accounts and pay over to the succeeding
Treasurer such balance as appear to be due to the Lodge on settling such
accounts, such accounts shall be allowed by the Lodge and signed by the
Master and Wardens and any other of the members of the Lodge.

16th
All Ballots and Polls shall be taken by the Senior Deacon.

17th

The grand Tyler shall attend within the Lodge each Lodge nigbt
likewise at the Festivals and on Lodges of emergency. The deputy Tyler
shall deliver out all such Summonses as shall be delivered him by the Master
or Secretary, and attend the Lodge each Lodge night as before.

18th

The qualifications of those who are desirous of being made Masons
or of becoming Members of this Lodge must be such as the ancient
Constitutions and Laws prescribe.

19th

A person desirous of being made a Mason must be proposed to the
Lodge by a Member on a general Lodge Night. Which proposal must be
seconded by another Member or not admitted, a Member proposing a person
to be made a Mason in this Lodge shall at the time he proposes him present a

THK PROVINCE OP SHUOPSHIEE. 217

petition from such person, praying to be made a Mason and shall likewise
pay half-a-Giiinea to the Treasurer which in ease of the non-appearance of
the person to be made on the Lodge appointed for his being made, shall be
forfeit unless m, satisfactory cause be made for him in which case another
Night shall be appointed, of which he shall have six days notice at least
from the Lodge and if he shall not attend within three Montlis from the
time first appointed the half Guinea shall be forfeit and applied to the fund
of ;he Lodge.

20th

The petition of such person so proposed to bo made a Mason shall be
taken into consideration the general Lodge Night next after his having been
proposed, and the Members then present shall Ballot for him by black and
white Beans, if on taking such Ballot there shall be one black Bean
against him he shall not be made, and the half Guinea shall be returned.

21st

Any person being made a ilason in this Lodge shall pay Two Pounds
fifteen Shillings including the half Guinea five Shillings of which shall be
for registering Two Shillings and Sixpence for the Secretary one Shilling
and Sixpence for the Deputy Tyler and the residue shall be applied to the
fund of the Lodge. On a Brother being passed to a fellow Craft he shall
pay ten shilings and sixpence and on being raised to a Master Mason the
like sum of Ten Shillings and Sixpence which shall be respectively applied to
the fund of the Lodge.

22nd

If a Brother is desirous of becoming a member of this Lodge he shall in
like manner be proposed on a General Lodge Night, and if upon taking
such Ballot it shall appear that two thirds of the Members then piesent be
for his admission, he shall be admitted otherwise he shall not be admitted
nor again proposed a Member of this Lodge and for his admission he shall
pay half-a-Guinea, and which shall be applied to the fund of the Lodge. No
person who shall have been proposed to be made a Mason in this Lodge and
rejected, .shall be admitted a Member of this Lodge unless he shall in like
manner be balloted for, and if upon taking such Ballot there shall be one
Black Bean against him he shall not be admitted.

23rd

If any Brother demands a Certificate of his having been regularly
admitted a Mason in this Lodge, or of his having taken any degree of
masonry, the Master shall direct the Secretary to make out the same, it
shall be sealed with the Seal of the Lodge signed by the Master and Wardens
and contersigned by the Secretary, and for which such person shall pay five
Shillings one half of which shall go to the fund of the Lodge and the other
to the Secretary.

24th

Every Member of this Lodge shall pay One Shilling a Month
which shall be collected by the Treasurer three Months in advance and
applied to the fund of the Lodge. Every subscribing Member of this Lodge
shall pay One Shilling and Sixpence per month for the expences of the
Night which shall likewise be collected by the treasurer three Months in
advance and no brother shall be peimitted to be an honorary Member if his
usual place of residence is within five miles of Shrewsbury.

218 PREEMASONEY IN

25th

A Brotlier visiting this Lodge shall have his name entered in the
Book containing these Hye-laws also in what degree of Masonry he stands,
the name of the Lodge to which he belongs and be admitted the first Night
of visiting free of expence ho shall afterwards pay One Shilling and Sixpence
for the Nights expences and One Shilling to the fund of the Lodge except
such brother shall be a subscribing Member to some other Lodge in which
case he shall pay the Nights expences only.

26th

No member shall have a property in the Jewels and Furniture of this
Lodge until he shall have subscribed and paid to the fund of the Lodge
three years.

27ai

If any member neglect or refuse to attend the Lodge or pay his
Monthly dues, he shall be written to and admonished for the first three
Months, and if he pays no regard to that, at the end of six months he shall
be expelled, as the arrears of the Lodge must all be settled in that time.

28th

It shall be at all times lawful for the Officers with the consent oi the
subscribing Members to repeal, alter, amend or add to these Bye Laws in
such manner as shall seem most expedient to promote the Interest and
strengthen the Cement of this Lodge. But such repeal, amendment, or addition
shall be proposed on one general Lodge Night taken into consideration the
second and confirmed on the third and all the subscribing members then
on the List shall bo apprised of the nature of the business in the Summonses
for each Night.

29th

These Bye Laws shall be read by the Secretary on the admission ot
every new made Mason and Member, to which each Member shall subscribe
his name under the following obligation :—

We the subscribing members of this Lodge do most sincerely declare
that it shall be our study to ob.sorve a strict obedience to these Bye Laws,
Kules Orders, and Regulations before mentioned and will always confoim
to such well advised Charges and Constitutions as the free and accepted
of all Ages have chearfully submitted to from time immemorial.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our Names, d)

(1) Here following the Signatures of 78 Brethren, the last of whom was initiated
in 1814.

THE PKOVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE.

219

[Appendix D.]

LIST OP MEMBERS

OF THE

SALOPIAN LODGE,

262.

Name.

Original Members.

tWilliam Neale
+Thomas Barkley
tWilliam Cottom
tJohn Beck

+Jolin Brackley

Pritchard
t John Hall
tEdward Innys
Alexander Keate

*E. T. Smith
*Thomas Telford
+*John Gellion
*John Greene

* Thomas Sanders
*Thomas Gray
t*J. Watkis

* Thomas Bassett
John Hodges
Thomas Loxdale
Thomas Lloyd
James Trehearn
George Bowdler
Thomas Jellicoe

George Holland
Richard Durnell
Philip Williams
William Tunstall
John Podmore

Profession

or
Occupation.

Hosier

)j
Innkeeper
Banker and Wine
Merchant

Painter
Draper

Working Jeweller
Tea Dealer

Royal Navy

Surveyor

Carrier

Dyer

Engraver

Mercer

Wire Worker

Upholsterer

Attorney

))
Innkeeper
Merchant Tailor
Gent. Farmer

Reverend

Surgeon

Steward

Farmer

Ensign 47th Reat.

Residence.

Shrewsbury

Chester

Shrewsbury

Loton Park,

Salop

Condover
Pitchford
Stoke Castle

Year o£
admis-
sion.

1788

220

FEEEMASONEY IN

Name.

Profession or
Occupation.

Residence.

Tear of
admis-
sion.

James Matthews

Reverend

The Schools,

1788

Thomas Lloyd
Thomas Cooke

Reverend

Malster

Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury

Richard Dansey
*William Bourlay
John Warren

Esquire

Dancing Master
Accountant

Little, Hereford
Shrewsbury
J)

1789

Richard Oliver

Grocer

Robert John

Cartwright

Gentleman

Manchester

Richard Jenkins
Samuel Jones
John Samuel Meire

Esquii-e

Oil Case Maker

Gentleman

Bicton, Salop
Shrewsbury
J,

Sacheveral Harwood

Printer

Richard GoiF

Gentleman

AVilliam Hazledine

Millwright

—

Robert Jones

Organist

Shrewsbury

}}

Henry Podmore
William Bowley
Wythen Evans
John Lewis

Captain
Engraver
Esquire
Gentleman

Calcott

Shrewsbury

Machynlleth

J)
)J

William Evans

Gentleman

Bridgnorth

*tBennett Dorsett

Reverend

1790

William Heighway
John Salisbury Dod
Thomas Hodges

Esquire
Surgeon
Farmer

—

John Niccolls

Farmer

—

• )

Edward Lewis

Reverend

—

Edward Kyffin
Thomas Lowe
Paul Wilkinson

Waiter

Land Surveyor

Tea Dealer

Shrewsbury

tThomas Colley
John Carline
James James

Architect
Gentleman

Shrewsbury

William Simes
William Taylor

Attorney
Malster

Shrewsbury

*Richard Phillips
John Jones
Jacob Jones
*John King
f Carter

Attorney
Esquire
Innkeeper
Organist

Shrewsbury
Machynlleth
Aberystwith
Shrewsbury

1791
1792

t John Heighway
tJoseph Hodges
John Jaundrel
Thomas Whitney

Wine Merchant

Schoolmaster

Waiter

Eereford

Pontesbury

Shrewsbury

THE

PROVINCE OF SHKOPSHIRE.

221

Name.

Profession or
Occupation.

Residence.

Year of
admis-
sion.

Myttoii Skrymsher

Surgeon

Pontesbury

1792

John Lawrence, Jun.

Esquire

The Mines, Salop

))

Benjamin Partridge

Bookbinder

—

^■'t William Hamilton

—

1793

William Clement

Apothecary

Shrewsbury

f John Jones

Reverend

Pontesbury

-HCharles Shirreff

Major

Whitchurch

1794

*+ — • — Driver

—

+John Nash

—

+John Rawlins

—

))

Bythell

—

1795

John Sheppai'd

—

James Uley Harris

—

William Chrees

—

Wolverhampton

Henry Tiinell

Mason

Shrewsbury

1796

*trrancis Careswell

—

1797

John Long

Gentleman

Samuel Griffiths

Shopkeeper

Made gratis for
Tyler

James Bryan

Innkeeper

—

))

Henry Bowdler

Gentleman

—

1798

John Jenks

Currier

Broseley

J»

*t Lewis

Innkeeper

Worcester

1800

*tJ. Garthside

Lieutenant 21st

Dragoons

—

*+J. G. Whitaker

Serjeant-Major ,,

—

))

*t William Hackett

Quarter-Master ,,

—

))

*+Thomas Wilkinson

jj J)

—

*+Edward Wall

Private (?) „

—

tPhilip Jones

—

Shrewsbury

1801

+John Kent

—

* William Roberts

Shoemaker

—

1802

*tCamel Hinkley

(? Campbell) —

—

William Hitchcock

Land Surveyor

Shrewsbury

William Garden

Builder

»)

*tThomas Whealan

Reverend

1803

George Grant

Gardener

Shrewsbury

t William Macaulay

—

1807

tThomas Kenyon

Serjeant 53 Regt.

. —

1812

*tDavid Dear Seygil

—

■ —

))

*Peter Horsman

Clerk

—

1813

*+Richard Davies

. — .

—

*John Straphen

Architect

Shrewsbury

1814

*t James Phillips

—

■ —

•Sir John Hill

Baronet

Hawkstone

'Zi-1

FREEMASONRY IN

Name.

Profession or

Residence.

Year of
admis-

Occupation.

sion.

William Barnes

Whitesmith

Shrewsbury

1814

Charles Bigg

Seedsman

William Hams

Carpenter

•?

+ William Studley

—

+Thomas Turner

Shelton

—

+George Thornton

—

John Davies

—

George Osmond Quick

Innkeeper

Shrewsbury

James Anderson

Samuel Johnson

—

Joseph Whitford

—

f Richard Jenkins

—

James Sandford

—

tWilliam Wilding

Hatter

Shrewsbury

James Price

— .

Thomas L. Watkinson

Actor

—

*t— Duck

—

. —

18J5

*t Robert Atkinson

—

Richard Loxdale

Solicitor

Shrewsbury

tJames Barnaby

Mercer

))

William Thomas

tEdward Davies

—

Welshpool

1816

t William A. Pro vis

Civil Engineer

Ellesmere

+George Sharpies

—

Richard Broughall

Grocer

Shrewsbury

Thomas Groves

Builder

Roger Beckett

Thomas Dawson

Parmer

Edward Jones

Innkeeper

William Millington

Joiner

tJohn Stanton

*Richard Bratton

Broker

Shrewsbury

1817

William Griffiths

Surgeon

William Cooper

Solicitor

George Morris

Bookseller

Simon Barber

Mercer

*James Ryan

Director of Mines

1818

John Denstone

Shepherd

Mercer

Shrewsbury

1819

George Hanley

Seedsman

))

})

John Edgerley, Junr.

Solicitor

))

James. Pughe

Gentleman

1820

Hugh Boulter

Commercial

Traveller

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

223

Name.

William Griffiths
Sir Andrew Vincent
Corbet
Thomas Hancorn
William Samuel Hill
John Carline, Junr.
John Cartwrii:;ht
David Evans
Thomas Lawrence
Thomas Goldsboro
George Harper
*John Jobson
William Carline
James Whitney
James Moore
Philip Corbett
Thomas Carline
George Ernest

Hamilton
Americus Hitchcock
Charles Lloyd
Richard Hodskinson
John Wood
Wilham J. Clement
John Jones
Thomas Seed
Charles Lloyd
Richard Corbett
*John Goolden
Robert Turner
Charles Bowen Teece
Nathan Hubbersty
John Colley
Edward Steedman
Edward Oliver
William Jones
Thomas Colley
John Lawrence

Gardener
Henry Bloxam
David Birds
Francis K. Leighton
William Heigh way

Jones
*+ More

Profession or

Residence.

Tear of
admis-

Occupation.

sion.

Painter

Shrewsbury

1820

Bart.

Acton Reynald

Ironmonger

Shrewsbury

1821

Distiller

))

Architect

1822

Ironmonger

))

Glazier

Tailor

Reverend

Welshpool

Solicitor

Whitchurch

1823

—

Birmingham

1824

Ironmonger

Shrewsbury

))

Chemist

))

Solicitor

Artist

1825

Sculptor

))

Surveyor

Silk Mercer

JJ
JJ

Esquire

Tanner

Surgeon

Cooper

—

Merchant

Liverpool

Esquire

Adderley, Salop

JJ
JJ

—

1827

Solicitor

Shrewsbury

School Master

Gentleman

Astley

Gentleman Farmer

High Ercall

Innkeeper

Shrewsbury

Shoemaker

Tailor

Gentleman

1828

Attorney

Ellesmere

Reverend

Penley

Reverend

Cardiston

1829

Esquire

Pontesbury

1831

Esquire

Larden

1837

224

FREEMASONRY IN

Name.

Robert Phillips
Samuel Scoltock
George Brittain

Peplow
William Pickin
* William Wood
Henry Keate
Henry T. Wace
Grenville Jones
George Matthews
Samuel Wood
*Robert Skelton

Mackenzie
*Lord Dungannon
John Hinton
Harry Collins Jeffreys
Robert Plowden

Weston
George Gordon
Joshua Pugh White
J. J. Barlow
J. Nigel Heathcote
William Brightwell
Thomas Jones Drury
Thomas Onions
James Bratton
John Hawley '

Edwards
Abraham Woolrich

*Charles P. Baker
E. H. Dymock
Samuel Betton

Gwynne
Georffe Tomline
William Burr
*John Leche

Rowland
"tSamuel Hayward
■'John Watton
John Broughall
John Harris
George E. Hay
William Henry

Cooper

Profession or
Occupation.

Esquire
Grocer

Solicitor

Surgeon

Solicitor

Dentist

Printer

Surgeon

L.L.D.

Surgeon
Solicitor
Cabinet Maker

Surgeon

Schoolmaster

M.D.

Tax Collector

Surgeon

Solicitor
Refreshment

Contractor
Solicitor
Reverend

Surgeon

M.P.

Lead Merchant

Solicitor

Innkeeper

Publisher

Solicitor

Merchant

Gentleman

Solicitor

Residence.

Shrewsbury

Wellington

Liverpool

Shrewsbury

Tear of
admis-
sion.

1837

1838

1840

Wenlock

Wellington
Shrewsbury
J)

Shrewsbury

1841
1843

1844

Wem
Oswestry

Wem
Shrewsbury

1845

1849

1850

THE PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE.

225

Name.

Profession or

Residence.

Tear o£
admis-

Occupation.

sion.

Edward Mostyn

Owen

Esquire

Yeaton

1851

Joseph Henry Lee

Esquire

Redbrook, Flint

Charles Sparlinj;

Captain

Petton

William John Beach

—

Admaston

J William Henry

NicoUs

Esquire

Newnham

J»

J William Patchett

Station Master

Shrewsbury

))

JJohn W. Towers

Post Master

-"?

JBenjamin Churchill

H.M. Civil Service

Oswestry

JCharles Thomas

Woosnam

Solicitor

Newtown

JRobert Moorson

Scarth

Shrewsbury

JCharles Heathcote

Warrington

JHenry Dubbs

Ironfounder

JRobert Haycock

Builder

Shrewsbury

1 George S. Barnett

Jeweller

J»

JLewis Meredith

Grocer

))

Isaac Taylor

Coach Proprietor

*Peter George

Bentley

Reverend

Ellesmere

tHenry Shaw

Fishing Tackle

Maker

Shrewsbury

*Sir Watkin W.

Wynn

Baronet

Wynnstay

1852

*J. Hinton Bluck

Reverend

Shrawardine

*G. C. Guise

Reverend

Pulverbatch

*Charles Wigan

—

Ruabon

*+Augustus Dillon

—

*Gabriel Rollings

Adjutant

Shrewsbury

Sir Henry George

Harnage

Bart.

Belswardine

Robert D. Newill

Solicitor

Wellington

William Anslow

Farmer

Eyton

Thomas C. Eyton

Esquire

The Vineyard

+ William Smith

Esquire

Chirk

Christopher R

Soulsby

Esquire

Wrexham

George Knox

—

Isaac Knowles

Solicitor

Wellington

Edward Jeffreys

Civil Engineer

Shrewsbury

D. Glynne Mytton

Reverend

Oswestry

William M. Rowlanc

Miller

Mytton Mill

1853

William Paddock

—

Ellesmere

226

FREEMA SONET IN

Name.

Profession or

Residence.

Year of
admis-

Occupation.

sion.

Charles James Lloyd

—

Machynlleth

1853

Edward Oswell

Esquire

Oswestry

Walter Reginald

Corbet

Lieutenant

Acton Reynald

David Lloyd

—

Oswestry

tSamuel D. Hoole

Miller

Chirk

tP. Buckley Williams

Major

Pennant

James Herbert Preme

79th Highlanders'

—

William Harley

Bayley

Banker

Shrewsbury

t*Edward Lloyd

Hunt

—

+*J. Andrews

. —

Oswestry

* Joseph W. Smith

Wharfinger

Wellington

*John Hamer

Esquire-

Glanrafon

)»

* William Elliot

Reverend

Shrewsbury

1854

*Robert Hornby

Reverend

Lythwood Hall

))

Henry Alfred Jones

Auctioneer

Shrewsbury

Charles Chandler

Solicitor

Henry Davies

Solicitor

Oswestry

Francis Peter Roberts

Bank Manager

))

Gr. J. Saunders

Chemist

*Rowland Hunt

Esquire

Boreatton

1855

*John Lawrence

Randal

Architect

Shrewsbury

* William

Majoribanks

Wine Merchant

Leamington

*Henry Greenwood

Schoolmaster

Shrewsbury

Thomas Savin

Draper

Oswestry

James Lyndon Pedley

Architect

Birmingham

John Dovaston

Esquire

West Felton

1856

Robert Phibbs Dod

Captain, Shropshire
Militia

Oswestry

« "

*Robert Nicolls

Wine Merchant

Shrewsbury

1857

*tWilliam Ackerman

Esquire

Hereford

Riou George Benson

Reverend

Lutwyche Hall

William Jellicorse

Reverend

Clunbury

Richard S. Prance

Railway Contractor

Sibberscote

Walter Blythe

Surgeon

Dulwich

Richard Scott Deane

Esquire

William Thomas

Surgeon

Shrewsbury

»W. E. Curtis

Esquire

Caynham Court,
Ludlow

*Ralph A. Benson

Esquire

Lutwyche Hall

"B.H.BulkeleyOwen

Reverend

Tedsmere Hall

THE

PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

227

Name.

Occupation or
Profession.

Residence.

Year of

admis-

Bion.

*Charles G. Wingfield

Colonel

Onslow

1858

J. Caple Cholmon-

deley

Major

Condover

Charles Oakley-

Surgeon

Shrewsbury

Sir Thomas Meyrick

Bart.

Bush, Pembroke

Henry Sheridan

■Rlliott

. —

—

George Owen

Engineer

Oswestry

1859

Gustaf Tornourd

— ,

Finland

Edward Tipton, Junr.

Manager, Fire Office

Shrewsbury

))

■\\illiam John Hope

Edwardes

Esquire

Netley Hall

R. Jasper More

Esquire

Linley

))

+Offley Wakeman

Esquire

Oxford

Richard Banner

Oakley

Esquire

Shrewsbury

Sir Baldwin Leighton

Bart.

Loton Park

))

*Robert Hanson

Coldwell

Major

Shrewsbury

I860

*Robert Forrest

Professor of Music

))

*Thomas Kynnersley

Gardner

Captain

Leighton House

Joseph Tomlinson

Barlow

Commercial

Traveller

Shrewsbury

))

+Thomas Owen

Major

Condover

(?)

Spencer Cosby Price

Captain

—

William Lees Berry

—

1861

*Edward Burd

M.D.

Shrewsbury

P M. Crampton

Captain — Chief

Constable

Walter Thursby

Pelham

Captain

Cound

))

Francis Thursby

Pelham

Esquire

))

George F. B. Willing

M.D.

Cressage

William Blakeway

Miller

Hanwood

1862

George Juckes

Solicitor

Shrewsbury

H. V. Jones

Esquire

Ruchley

Walter Moseley

Esquire

Buildwas

))

Robert Sloman

Esquire

Welshpool

1863

WilUam Eddowes

Surgeon

Shrewsbury

))

William Ash

Reverend

West Felton

))

*William Clarke

Civil Engineer

Shrewsbury

))

*Philip Whitcombe

Reverend

))

228

FREEMASONKY IN

Name.

Profession or

Residence.

Year of
admis-

Occupation.

sion.

*Walter Whitmore

Captain

Apley Park

1863

*"Williain Minton

Beddoes

Physician

Ludlow

1864

*Richard Chambers

Roberts

Reverend

Ruabon

*W. J. Lane

Esquire

Bishop's Castle

Charles G. Wade

Merchant

London

George W. Fisher

Reverend

The Schools,

Shrewsbury

Thomas Jobson

Corn Merchant

Shrewsbury

W. J. Ward

Reverend

))

G. T. Archer

Esquire

London

Francis Needham

Bank Manager

Shrewsbury

Cecil Peele

Solicitor

Robert Charles

Webster

Civil Engineer

Oswestry

5»

Andrew Good

Brookes

Physician

Shrewsbury

1865

Richard Palin

Solicitor

Scarlet Lloyd Parry

))

W. Bryan Bryan

Reverend

John Davies Harries

Surgeon

Charles L. Heathcote

*Edwyn Andrew

Physician

1866

*John Barber

Auctioneer

Wellington

*John H. Slaney

Wine Merchant

*Lord E. Hill Trevor

—

Oswestry

Thomas Fenn

—

Downton

*J. Ralph Ormsby

Esquire(afterwards

Gore

Lord Harlech)

Oswestry

1867

Thomas Griffiths

Solicitor

Bishop's Castle

John Maguire

Tyler

Shrewsbury

George Terry West

Esquire

Bishop's Castle

*F.B.WyndhamQuin

Esquire

Market Drayton

1868

*Anthony Gardner

Esquire

Leighton

*Charles H. Corbett

Edmund Cresswell

Peele

Solicitor

Shrewsbury

))

*t — Greenwood

Reverend

1869

(Hon. Mem.)

John Edward Stainer

Esquire

Uppington

*G. C. Nottley

Reverend

Ratlinghope

1870

*Edward M.

Wakeman

Esquire

Coton Hall,

Bridgnorth

THE

PROVINCE OP SHROPSHIRE.

229

Name.

Profession or

Residence.

Tear o£
admiB-

Occupation.

sion.

*Henry Newman

Inland Revenue

Officer

Shrewsbury

1870

*C. J. S. Churchill

Rev., The Schools

John Thomas Jones

Surgeon

Llanfyllin

))

Richard M. Hickman

Newport

Thomas Hickman

Land Agent

Leaton

JJ.

John Taylor

Miller

Wellington

Richard W. Owen

Withers

Surgeon

Shrewsbury

John Bucknall Cooper

Solicitor

Joseph H. Redman

Barrister-at-Law

John Ernest Frail

Esquire

))

*Montague Hulton

Harrop

Esquire

Lythwood

1871

Arthur George Brooke

Clerk

Astley

))

J. Harley Bayley

Crawford

Esquire

Shrewsbury

))

*Sir Oflley Wakeman

Bart.

Cound Hall

1872

*John Bodenham

Banker

Newport

William Thomas

Serving Brother

Herbert L. Snow

M.D.

Shrewsbury

Thomas Charles

Marsh

Surgeon

William Scarlett Price

Solicitor

))

Charles C. T. Fagan

Reverend

*Henry Charles

Clarke

Solicitor

1873

*Charles H.

Drinkwater

Reverend

))

*John James Saville

Surgeon

♦Arthur John Peele

Civil Engineer

*Henry Offley

Wakeman

Esquire

Oxford

''Alfred Salwey

Esquire

Ludlow

))

*Charles B. H. Soame

Surgeon, — Baronet

Dawley

* Henry Woolner

Artist

Coalbrookdale

* John Bishop Boucher

Professor of Music

Shrewsbury

Algernon G-. B.

Whitmore

Esquire

Stockton, Salop

Samuel Pountney

Smith

Architect

Shrewsbury

1874

Benjamin Newnes

Tyler

James Ouston Smith

Surgeon

))

1876

Arthur Lowcock

Engineer

*W. E. Stuart

Major

Betton Strange

230

FREEMASONRY IN

Name.

Profession or

Residence.

Tear of
admis-

Occupation.

sion.

*Jolm Sides Davies

Surgeon

Oswestry

1876

*Johri Barr

Bank Manager

Shrewsbury

Sydney Freme

Clemenl

Surgeon

1877

* Arthur Henry

Downes

* John Briscoe Bagnal]

Gentleman

;;

Joseph Parry Jones

Solicitor

Oswestry

1878

John T. Wills

—

Shrewsbury

Charles Shea Thomas

Solicitor

William Edward

Harding

Surgeon Dentist

William Lewis Meyer

Surgeon

Oakengates

* Edward Acherley

Phillips

Banker

Shrewsbury

*R. E. Warren

Reverend

))

Robert A. Craig

Solicitor

** J)

1879

Herbert Coupland

Tayloi

lM.B.

Henry F. Elliott

burgeon

Ruyton-IX-

Towns

John Avery

Wine Merchant

Shrewsbury

■^John Minor Kilvert

Esquire

Grinshill

Herbert G. Wakefield

Chaplain H.M S.

Prison
Surgeon

Shrewsbury

1880

*W. Herbert Packer

Cressage

John Wynne

Jeudwine

Barrister-at-Law

Shrewsbury

1881

William Aylmer

Lewis

Surgeon

Oswestry

Paul Maurice

Berkeley

H.M. Civil Service

Shrewsbury

)}

Thomas Slaney Eyton

Banker

*Thomas Sullock

Stooke

Civil Engineer

})

*Arthur E. Lloyd

Oswell

Architect

Adolphus Dovaston

))

1882

Wyndham Deedes

Private School

Master

1883

James E. Parson

Smith

Merchant

1884

John Downes

Southam

Wine Merchant

1885

John Gray

Surgeon

THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

231

Name.

Profession or
Occupation.

Residence.

Tear of
admis-
sion.

*"W. Tiascelles

Southwell

Esquire

Bridgnorth

1885

Henry Ponting Cox

Solicitor

Wem

G, Middleton

Ashdown

Reverend

Ruabon

1886

Henry Mansell James

H.M. Civil Service Shrewsbury

))

Samuel Clement

Southam

Wine Merchant

James Allan Bratton

Surgeon

John Frail Harries

Surgeon

1887

Arthur T. M. Wood

Esquire

Wem

Alexander Graham

Barrister-at-Law

Shrewsbury

))

Ernest Tredinnick

Surgeon

Craven Arms

1888

William C. Clement

Peele

Solicitor

Shrewsbury

1889

Francis Salisbury

H.M. Civil Service

William Hugh Sprott

Coffee Planter

Mercara, India

^Frederick Knollys

Pigott

Surgeon

Shrewsbury

Cecil Anthony P.

Osburne

Surgeon

Church Stretton

1890

*Percy Emson

Reverend

Shrewsbury

1891

*G. C. P. Williams

Captain-Chief

Freeman

Constable

George Gainwell

Serving Brother

Alfred T. Davis

Civil Engineer

C. W. Campbell

Hyslop

Surgeon

Church Stretton

The List of Members originally compiled from the Minute-books was
carefully compared with the Register of Grand Lodge. In many cases
differences and discrepancies were discovered ; these, however, were in the
majority of instances clearly due to inaccuracies in the Register.

The Minute-books are in places so badly kept, and the Register in
Grand Lodge was often so irregular, that even from both sources combined,
a perfectly accurate list cannot be obtained. It is hoped, however, that the
list given above is substantially correct.

Names marked * are those of joining members.

Names marked t are those of members who were never registered in
Grand Lodge.

Names marked X a'e those of members who joined without election
at the amalgamation of the two Shrewsbury Lodges in 1851.

232 FREEMASONRY IN THE PROVINCE OF SHROPSHIRE.

In former days liiembers seem to have constantly resigned the Lodge
ami afterwards rejoined it. No notice is taken in the above list of such
transactions, even when on such rejoining a fresh registration in Grand
Lodge was made. It is thought that one entry of a member's name will
supply all that would be either interesting or useful.

No attempt has been made to any change of residence. The addresses
given are those at the time of admission.

ADNITT AND NAUNTON, PRINTERS, THE SQUARE, SHREWSBURY.

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "A history of freemasonry in the province of Shropshire, and of the Salopian Lodge, no. 262, with an introduction by W. J. Hughan"

See other formats